Zuko Komisa
The Department of Social Development (DSD) is pushing for the extension of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant beyond its current expiration date of March 2026.
This is despite the National Treasury’s stated intention to discontinue the temporary welfare measure.
The DSD argues that the extension is crucial to provide continued income support to vulnerable South Africans while it finalises the long-awaited basic income grant (BIG) policy.
This policy, which aims to provide monthly financial aid to all qualifying poor citizens, has been under development for several years.
During a briefing to Parliament’s social development portfolio committee on Wednesday, department officials, including Minister Sisisi Tolashe, acknowledged frustrations from Members of Parliament regarding the slow progress on the BIG.
Deputy Director-General Brenda Sibeko indicated that it could take up to a year to develop the necessary legislation for the BIG, even after the policy is finalised.
“So, we will also, in the process of doing the legislation, need the SRD grant to continue.
“So, in that regard, we will ask Treasury again to extend the SRD so that there isn’t a break in that income support while the policy process is underway,” said Sibeko.
The DSD also highlighted that the basic income grant policy aims to integrate beneficiaries with economic opportunities, moving beyond mere financial reliance.
This push for an extension comes as the National Treasury has made it clear in recent budget pronouncements that funds for the SRD grant are not allocated beyond the 2025/26 financial year, anticipating its discontinuation.
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