Call for return of special grant
THE Black Sash has called for the immediate reinstatement of the temporarily suspended Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, citing fears of the impact of a possible third wave of the pandemic.
The government initially mandated the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) to provide the R350 grant from May to October last year.
The grant was extended for three months at the beginning of this year.
The grant was terminated on April 30 while Sassa awaited approval to use funds from the previous financial year.
Back payments have been suspended, leading to fears that this could have dire consequences for beneficiaries. Black Sash national director Lynette Maart said: “The government must reinstate the Covid-19 SRD grant.
A third wave is becoming a reality, since infections are increasing and mass vaccinations are yet to begin.
“This is the second time in recent weeks that Sassa has apologised for payment delays. But Covid-19 SRD grant beneficiaries often suffered the undignified experience of late payments. They have been a perennial problem even prior to the government’s new financial year.”
Meanwhile, Sassa has confirmed that payments all approved grants will be made as soon as confirmation of funding was finalised.
Sassa apologised to all unpaid beneficiaries for any inconvenience the suspension has caused.
Sassa provincial spokesperson Shivani Wahab said: “Even after the grant has ended, payments will be made to those deserving approved clients. Payment may not necessarily be a double payment/lump sum/paid out on the same day. It may be split over days or weeks.”