Fikile Mbalula, the Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC), recently revealed that the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is planning to transform the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant into a Basic Income Grant. This announcement was made during his visit to Freedom Park in Soweto on Sunday.
The Shift from SRD to Basic Income Grant
The idea of a Universal Basic Income Support Grant (BIG) was initially introduced by the ANC during their annual National Executive Council lekgotla in January.
This was part of the party’s agenda for the year and for the administration’s five-year term. The transition from the current SRD grant to a Basic Income Grant is aimed at supporting South Africa’s vulnerable populations in the long term.
Mbalula emphasized that the aim of the grant is to benefit the people and contribute towards social spending. He pointed out that the ANC is committed to repealing the VAT increase and using the saved funds to benefit citizens, including through initiatives such as hiring more teachers, nurses, and police officers.
SRD Grant: A Lifeline for Many
The SRD grant, initially introduced as a temporary relief measure during the Covid-19 pandemic, has continued to provide financial assistance to millions of South Africans. In fact, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana allocated R35.2 billion in his March budget to extend the SRD grant until March 31, 2026.
Originally set at R350, the grant was increased to R370 earlier this year. It has become a critical source of income for approximately eight million South Africans, including refugees and asylum seekers, who have relied on it since May 2020.
Payment Schedule and Verification Process
The SRD grant payments are typically made during the last week of each month, following a thorough verification process carried out by SASSA.
However, due to an ongoing verification campaign aimed at strengthening the integrity of the social grant system, there may be slight delays in the May payment schedule for some beneficiaries.
SRD Grant Key Information
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Monthly Grant Amount | R370 |
| Total Allocation for Extension | R35.2 billion |
| Payment Schedule | Final week of each month |
| Verification Process | Ongoing checks for system integrity |
| Grant Duration | Extended until March 2026 |
| Number of Beneficiaries | Approximately 13 million |
The ANC’s proposal to transform the SRD grant into a Basic Income Grant marks a significant step toward ensuring long-term financial security for South Africa’s vulnerable groups.
With this shift, the government aims to create a more sustainable income support system that can assist citizens until they find stable employment, providing much-needed relief during challenging times.
FAQs
What is the Basic Income Grant (BIG)?
The Basic Income Grant is a proposal to replace the SRD grant with a more permanent income support system aimed at benefiting vulnerable populations.
How much is the SRD grant currently?
The SRD grant has been increased to R370 per month as of early 2025.
Why are there delays in the May SRD payments?
Delays are due to an ongoing verification campaign aimed at ensuring the integrity of the social grant system.