By: Natasha Archary

President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended the extension of social relief grants (SRD) until March 2024.
In his weekly newsletter to South Africans, Ramaphosa said not does the grants assist 50% of recipients to purchase groceries, but also acts as a stimulus for the economy as a whole.
The extension of the social relief grants was announced by Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana during the 2023 Budget Speech, on 22 February.
National Treasury has set aside R36 billion to fund the extension of the Covid-19 social relief of distress grant until 31 March 2024.
Minister of Finance: R66 billion is allocated to Social Development over the medium term, with R36 billion
— National Treasury (@TreasuryRSA) February 22, 2023
to fund the extension of the COVID-19 social relief of distress grant until 31 March 2024. #BudgetSpeech2023
The Minister said R66 billion is allocated to Social Development over the medium term.
According to the President, the number of people who benefit from the grant have increased to over 18-million people from 2.5 million people in 1999.
“In addition, more than 2 million indigent households also receive free basic water, basic electricity and solid waste removal services as part of this government’s commitment to free basic services for the poor.
It supports economic growth from the bottom up, enables business activity, and strengthens social solidarity and stability. It is one of the greatest achievements of our democratic society, and one that we should all be proud of.
The SRD alone represents a significant step in our commitment to provide a minimum level of support below which no South African should fall.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa defends extension of social relief grants
How to apply for the R350 SRD grant:

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