Ramaphosa reveals overhaul of SRD grant for jobseekers

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a complete overhaul of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, confirming that it will be redesigned into a jobseekers' grant. 

Delivering the keynote address at the News24 On the Record Summit on Thursday, the President said the grant would better support work-seeking efforts and livelihoods.

“We must continue to strengthen our social protection system to reach all unemployed South Africans with a basic level of support.

“By redesigning the Social Relief of Distress Grant, we will ensure that those receiving the grant have access to a wide range of support to search for work and to sustain a livelihood," he said.

The Department of Social Development is still in consultations with the National Treasury to find a way to support the new grant.

While the grant is being redesigned, the current R370 grant has been extended until March 2027, as announced in Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address.