The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) provides a vital lifeline for millions of South Africans struggling with financial hardship. The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, a monthly payment, offers support to unemployed citizens aged 18 to 59.
Since the recent announcement of a R20 increase to the SRD grant, there have been growing calls for a more substantial adjustment. Former Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, announced during the 2024 Budget Speech:
Subject to the finalisation of the comprehensive social security, we will increase the R350 [grant] to R370 by the first of April this year.
Many beneficiaries and advocates argue that the current R370 monthly payment is insufficient to meet the rising cost of living.
The R750 Debate
One of the most pressing questions among grant recipients is whether the SRD grant will be increased to R750 per month. While there has been no official confirmation from Sassa or the government, the R750 figure has gained significant traction in discussions and petitions.
Critics of the R20 increase, such as Daddy Mabe, Secretary of PayTheGrants, have described it as "extremely offensive." They argue that the rise in inflation will erode the purchasing power of the grant, making it even more difficult for beneficiaries to make ends meet.
Long term, until we have a universal basic income grant, it must be benchmarked according to the Food Poverty Line which is R760.
Using the Child Support Grant as a Benchmark
#PayTheGrants has suggested that the SRD grant should be increased to R530, citing the child support grant as a benchmark. This comparison highlights the disparity between the two grants and underscores the need for a more substantial increase in the SRD.
As the debate over the SRD grant increase continues, it remains to be seen whether the government will heed the calls for a more substantial adjustment. The future of this crucial social safety net hinges on the decisions made by policymakers in the coming months.
