The fate of about eight million South Africans, who currently relies on R350 to survive, remains unknown once the grant is suspended in March 2024. 

As it stands, the so-called Social Relief of Distress grant, has only been extended until then, with no alternative or further extension planned or confirmed. 

In a response to GOOD’s Parliamentary question, the Minister of Social Development indicated that the R350 remains a temporary grant, as “an agreement on the future of the COVID-19 SRD (cSRD) has not as yet been reached, nor what should replace the grant when the temporary arrangement comes to an end”.

It was further indicated that despite a request from the Department for Government to increase the value of this grant, National Treasury declined “due to fiscal constraints”. 

This is unacceptable and the Minister rightly expressed concern over this. The fact is, since its implementation in 2020 the value has remained unchanged and is not keeping up with inflation. 

To put it simply the value of the grant has been decreasing every year as the inflation increases, plunging families deeper into poverty and hunger every single day.

Just this week, StatsSA reported the largest annual increase in food prices since 2009 after statistics reflected a jump of 14% over the past 12 months. 

Government has a Constitutional obligation to provide citizens with the minimum needs to survive. We must not allow government to avoid their constitutional duty while millions of South Africans are languishing in poverty.

The Department of Social Development claims to be “exploring options to introduce a more sustainable permanent intervention” for the working age population. Yet the inaction and apparent lack of concern remains extremely concerning. 

As GOOD we will continue to fight for a permanent Basic Income Grant to help our most vulnerable communities. 

Research shows that this is possible and can be done through reprioritisation - if our leaders are serious about its implementation and a comprehensive overhaul of our social security programme.

 

Issued by Good Secretary-General & Member of Parliament, Brett Herron