By: Natasha Archary
If you were given the option to survive on just R15 000 a month, if it meant everyone in the country lived an equal life, would you take it?
Conducting a social experiment, Sizwe Dhlomo posed the question to listeners this Tuesday and a good majority said, no way.
While the decision to take the R15 000 a month would mean an end to poverty, hunger and most social ills, many say it would mean a downgrade of their lifestyle that they are not prepared to accept.
The concept was first introduced in the 2002 sci-fi action movie, Equilibrium, where the state imposed a minimalistic life to prohibit any form of emotion.
All material possessions, such as artwork, jewellery, cars, and money were confiscated by the government to prevent people from revolting.
Life in equilibrium was a very mundane existence which included an emotion suppressing drug to stabilise one’s moods.
In an ideal world, poverty and hunger would be eradicated by a government that puts its people first and ensured that every citizen had an equal opportunity.
But it’s not an ideal world, and expecting the wealthiest in the country to give up their accumulated wealth for an equal share of the proverbial pie is a big ask.
“There’s no way I would do that because it would mean I have to give up everything I worked so hard to achieve. All my cars, my savings, my lifestyle, the food I eat and what I’ve grown accustomed to just to take home R15 000 a month. Never!”
One Kaya Drive listener said this social experiment would not
Another listener pointed out that R15 000 a month would not even cover his fuel costs or his children’s school fees let alone food and basic essentials.
With the cost of living in the country as high as it is, R15 000 a month appears to be a big pay cut for many Kaya Drive listeners.
Considering only 5% of the country’s population falling within the wealthiest percentage bracket, would the social experiment have been given more thought if everyone lived equally with R300 000 a month?
Also read: Four simple and powerful tips to help couples master their finances
