‘We will extend the R350 SRD Grant for another year,’ says Ramaphosa

Ramaphosa said the Social Protection System put on place was one of the “greatest achievements of the democratic government, reaching more than 18 million people monthly.”

“Without this policy millions of people would live in dire poverty,” added the president.

The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant has supported more than 10 million unemployed individuals vulnerable to the pandemic’s impact.

Cyril Ramaphosa mentioned that the country was faced with an economic crisis, but stopping the SRD Grant would have detrimental effects on the poor.

“Mindful of the proven benefits of the grant, we will extend the R350 SRD Grant for one further year, to the eve of March 2023,” announced Ramaphosa.

The president stated that during the time the SRD Grant will be provided, they will be engaging in “consultations and technical work” in an attempt to find best alternatives to replace the grant.

“The replacement however, must be affordable and must not come at the expense of basic services or unsustainable spending,” said Ramaphosa.

In closing, the president stated that the ambition to establish the minimum level of support for those in greatest need remained their one of their top priorities.