Social protection system
The social protection system is among the greatest achievements of the democratic government, reaching more than 18 million people every month. Without this support, millions more people would live in dire poverty.
Since the onset of COVID-19, the Social Relief of Distress Grant has provided support to more than 10 million unemployed people who were most vulnerable to the impact of the pandemic. Some people used that money to start businesses:
- Mr Thando Makhubu from Soweto received the R350 grant for seven months last year and saved it to open an ice-cream store that now employs four people.
- Mr Lindokuhle Msomi, an unemployed TV producer from KwaMashu Hostel, saved the R350 grant he received for nine months to start a fast food stall and to support his family.
“As much as it has had a substantial impact, we must recognise that we face extreme fiscal constraints. A fiscal crisis would hurt the poor worst of all through the deterioration of the basic services on which they rely.” – President Cyril Ramaphosa, SoNA, 10 February 2022, Cape Town City Hall.
Mindful of the proven benefits of the grant, government will extend the R350 grant for one further year, to the end of March 2023. During this time, government will engage in broad consultations and detailed technical work to identify the best options to replace this grant.
Any future support must pass the test of affordability and must not come at the expense of basic services or at the risk of unsustainable spending. It remains government’s ambition to establish a minimum level of support for those in greatest need.
Related links
- Department of Social Development
- South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
- Official Guide to South Africa - Social development
- Speeches and statements - Social relief of distress grant
Source: State of the Nation Address Highlights [PDF]
