The Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has called on members of the public and interested stakeholders to submit comments on proposed amendments to the regulations governing the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.
According to the Department of Social Development, the current version of the SRD grant is set to end on 31 March 2026. However, during the recent State of the Nation speech, President Ramaphosa confirmed that the R370 SRD grant will be extended for another 12 months, from 01 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.
Following this announcement, the Minister is required to formally implement the extension by publishing amendments to the COVID-19 SRD Regulations in the Government Gazette before 31 March 2026.
“The aim of these amendments is to regularize the 12-month extension of the provision from 01 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. This means the monthly amount of the R370 of the provision will be paid to successful applicants from the period, 01 April 2026 until March 2027,” the department said.
Deadline for Public Comments
Written submissions on the draft amendments must be made within 21 days of publication, which took place on 11 February 2026.
Comments can be sent to:
The Department of Social Development
Private Bag X901
Pretoria
0001
Or delivered to:
The Department of Social Development
Chief Directorate: Social Assistance
134 Pretorius Street
HSRC Building
Pretoria
0001
Alternatively, comments may be emailed to: SAREGS@dsd.gov.za.
A copy of the Government Gazette is available online at www.gpwonline.co.za.
The extension of the SRD grant remains a key development for millions of beneficiaries who rely on the R370 monthly payment for financial support.
Additional reporting by SANews.gov.za.
