Activist sounds alarm over humanitarian risk in proposed SRD grant changes

A renewed call is being made to sustain the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, with activist Elizabeth Raiters warning that changes could leave millions of people vulnerable.  

Last year, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the extension of the SRD grant until March next year. 

The SRD grant was implemented by government as a temporary measure during the COVID 19 pandemic, as a way to provide some financial relief to South African’s who were unable to work during the lockdown.

Raiters has criticised government's intention to link the funding to skills development and employment programmes, saying this move will exclude many beneficiaries. 

She adds that the minister would be taking away a vital lifeline, amid the country’s high unemployment rate.

“We have the ordinary person on the street who depends on this grant every month, but it's a lifeline for them. It is little, but it is a lifeline, and I really don't think this program will be working.” 

Raiters has also added her voice to the call for a basic income grant, adding that the current R370 grant makes a minimal impact on the shrinking food basket.

"A basic income grant is very important for these beneficiaries to actually just get the necessities and the amount of food that they actually need in a month.”