Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu elaborated on the socio-economic relief interventions available to South Africans during this global pandemic.
This comes after the announcement that the government’s CoVID-19 economic and social investment measures billed at R500 billion.
What has come to be known as the ‘R350 grant’ was introduced as a way to provide financial relief to unemployed South Africans, permanent residents, and refugees who have been affected by the pandemic - provided they are registered with the department of home affairs.
The minister said that SASSA would administer this, but emphasised that there are limitations involved.
She said that the implementation of existing grants (or top-ups) is straightforward as the data has already been stored, but that the new COVID-19 SRD grant requires a more complex approach as the beneficiaries are not yet on the SASSA database, or any other government grant support programmes.
"This called for the introduction of new systems and qualification criteria and the amendment of some existing regulations".
In order to apply, applicants must be 18 years or older, unemployed, and NOT receive any of the following:
- an income in any form;
- a social grant from the government;
- unemployment insurance benefit and does not qualify to receive such benefits; or
- a stipend from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme
Applicants must also not be residents in a government-funded or subsidised institution.
Furthermore, all prospective applicants are required to provide the following information:
- their identity number/department of home affairs permit;
- their full name and surname as captured in the id (and initials);
- their gender and disability;
- their banking details (banking institution name and account number);
- their contact details i.e. cell phone number; and
- valid proof of their residential address;
Zulu said that applications may be lodged electronically over and above any other available means of lodging such applications. The measures applicable include sending a WhatsApp message to 0600 123 456 and selecting SASSA or an E-mail to [email protected].
Additional access channels are still being finalised but will include SMS, self-help desks and an online application process.
“For our people with no access to technology; Volunteers will be trained to assist applicants who cannot use technology, and will be provided with gadgets to capture details on behalf of applicants. We have already received commitments from the NYDA, NDA and Community Development Workers in some of the provinces to assist.”
She added that to help those with no access to technology, volunteers will be trained to assist applicants and will be provided with gadgets to capture details on their behalf.
