In a major announcement made during the 2023 Budget Speech in Cape Town, South Africa, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana revealed that the government will allocate R36 billion to fund the extension of the COVID-19 social relief of distress (SRD) grant until 31 March 2024.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the South African economy, with millions of people losing their jobs and struggling to make ends meet. The SRD grant was introduced in May 2020 as a temporary measure to provide financial relief to those in need, and it has been extended several times since then.
During the budget speech, Godongwana emphasized the importance of the SRD grant in providing critical support to those most affected by the pandemic. He stated that the government is committed to ensuring that the grant is extended for as long as it is needed to help South Africans weather the economic impact of the pandemic.
The R36 billion allocated to the SRD grant extension will provide a lifeline to millions of South Africans who are struggling to make ends meet. The grant is set to continue to provide a monthly payment of R350 to eligible recipients, and the extension will ensure that the support continues for another year.
The announcement of the extension of the SRD grant has been welcomed by many, including social welfare organizations and political parties. The grant has been a vital source of support for those most in need, and its extension will help to alleviate some of the economic pressures facing South Africans during this difficult time.
In conclusion, the R36 billion allocation to fund the extension of the COVID-19 social relief of distress (SRD) grant until 31 March 2024 is a significant announcement that will bring much-needed relief to millions of South Africans. The government’s commitment to extending the grant demonstrates its ongoing efforts to support those most affected by the pandemic and its economic impact.
Source : Government of South Africa
Why is my srd still pending