Forty-four billion rands will be allocated for the extension of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant.

This comes as nearly half of the population is registered for this grant in the country. The extension announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa comes as a big relief for those in need of some financial support.

“Honorable Members, the social relief of distress grant was introduced in 2020/21, as a temporary relief measure in view of the plight of those who have lost economic opportunities and were adversely affected during the worst periods of the pandemic. This emergency grant added to the country’s already extensive social safety net.
South Africa now pays grants to more than 46 percent of the population,” said Minister Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.

However, more needs to be done as civil society organizations and unions want a more permanent grant in the future.