SRD Grant Will Continue, Says Ramaphosa

South Africa’s Social Relief of Distress is recognized as an important relief mechanism for millions of vulnerable people. It was revealed by the president that the government intends to continue implementing the critical relief mechanism.

SRD Grant Will Continue Says Ramaphosa

The government will continue to pay the Social Relief of Distress grant, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa. The SRD grant, also known as the R350 grant, is expected to continue beyond 2024, when it is currently scheduled to end.

During the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, the SRD grant was first introduced in 2020 to assist unemployed individuals. Initially, the government extended the grant to vulnerable individuals for three months. A number of extensions and reintroductions of the grant have been made since its introduction.

How much South Africans receive the SRD grant

Over seven million South Africans receive the SRD grant from the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa).

“To counter the rising cost of living, we will continue the Social Relief of Distress Grant, which currently reaches around 7.8 million people,” Ramaphosa announced.It is being worked on to develop a mechanism to support the most vulnerable with targeted basic income. The country will be able to provide this support within its fiscal constraints.

Ramaphosa emphasized that the innovation will build on the SRD Grant, ensuring that we reach all those in need by linking data across government.

In addition, the president announced that permanent social grants would be increased. In order to mitigate the rising costs, the government will do this.

More About Sassa President Says

According to the President, existing social grants will be increased to cushion the poor against rising inflation.Around 60% of the government’s budget goes towards the country’s social wage, Ramaphosa noted.In order to combat poverty and hunger, the government provides various forms of support, basic services, and assistance through the social wage.

This program provides free water, free electricity, and free solid waste removal to around two million households.