Resumo:It is widely accepted that the Child Support Grant (CSG) has become one of South Africa’s flagship instruments in combating poverty and inequality sinceits introduction in 1998. UNICEF (2012) regards it as “an exemplary model of asocial cash transfer programme” that contributed to the development of arefashioned social protection system. The language of exceptionalism andsignificant change emerged in the context of the transition to democracy,with the incoming government emphasising the importance ofimplementing transformative policies.