This research presents a Decent Standard of Living (DSL) and a DSL Index (DSLI) for South Africa. It is based on a concept for relative poverty that focuses on the ability of people to achieve a socially determined acceptable standard of living to enable them to participate fully in society.

This submission is based on the report submitted by SPI to the United Nation’s Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (UN CESCR) on the implementation of UN CESCR’s recommendation to South Africa on the necessity of adopting a composite index on the cost of living. This submission reflects the agreed position of SPI and CHR on the development of a composite index on the cost of an adequate standard of living by South Africa.

The launch of the Decent Standard of Living report marked a significant step towards understanding poverty and inequality’s impact on people’s lives in South Africa. The findings highlighted both positive trends and ongoing challenges in achieving a decent standard of living for all, while the discussions provided insights into the complexities of poverty reduction and policy development.

On 27 September 2013, Studies in Poverty and Inequality (SPII) and the Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung (FES) held the first consultative team meeting to discuss a National Minimum Living Level. The meeting was held at NEDLAC House, Rosebank, Johannesburg. Presenters and individuals that attended the meeting have an interest in a Minimum Living and were advocating for it in their respective institutions.