Zuko Komisa

The public is being warned against fraudulent websites and links of COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (cSRD) grant applications by the Department of Social Development and its subsidiary, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
The South African government offers a short-term financial aid program called the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant which was first used to assist those who were suffering from extreme financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The grant is intended to help those without jobs who don’t receive any other social support. Although it originated during the epidemic, it is still evolving and is intended to assist in meeting basic necessities during difficult economic times.
The correct and authentic application platform for all applications for the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress is https://SRD.sassa.gov.za.
The Department of Social Development and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) have said the following links: https://srd-sassa.org.za and https://srdsassagov.co.za are fake and are used to collect data from unsuspecting applicants, stealing personal information from applicants for the R370 grant.
Also Read: Seven Chinese nationals found guilty of human trafficking
In another related story, the deadline has been extended from 28 February to 20 March 2025 for recipients to switch from their gold SASSA cards to the black Postbank cards.
In a joint statement released by the Departments of Communications and Digital Technologies and Social Developement on Friday 14 February, they said government is responding to the deep concerns and frustrations of social grant beneficiaries and it trusts that this extension will provide much needed time for grant recipients.
READ NEXT: Trump plans to sell ‘gold card’ US visas for $5 million



