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SRD Grant Will Continue Says Ramaphosa

Published

2 months ago

September 6, 2023

South Africa’s government has decided to increase monthly payments to social grant beneficiaries because more and more people are dependent on some kind of income support.

SRD Grant Will Continue, Says Ramaphosa

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1 SRD Grant Will Continue, Says Ramaphosa

1.1 Total People Are Dependent on Social Grants

1.1.1 Also read:

Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday that government will increase social grants to cushion the poor against rising inflation and living costs in his State of the Nation Address (Sona).

A minimum level of protection must be provided by the state to ensure that no South African falls below that level. Currently, more than 25 million people in our country receive some form of income support,’ Ramaphosa said.

According to the President, the rising cost of living is a major concern, as it contributes to poverty and inequality by making millions of South Africans unable to survive.As part of the government’s efforts to reduce the rising cost of living, the R350 Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD) will be maintained.

Total People Are Dependent on Social Grants

In the United States, approximately 7.8 million people are dependent on social welfare grants and roughly 60% of the government’s budget is spent on what is known as the social wage, which provides basic services and assistance to households and individuals.

The president affirmed that a permanent basic income support mechanism for the most vulnerable is being developed despite various fiscal constraints.

National Treasury is also considering “urgent measures” to protect the most vulnerable from soaring food prices caused by load shedding.

“This will build on the innovations we introduced through the SRD [Social Relief of Distress] Grant, as well as link our government’s data to ensure we reach everyone in need,” the President said.

He also pointed out that around two million indigent households receive free water, electricity, and solid waste removal.

In the budget speech to be delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on 22 February 2023, further details on the social grants will be provided.