A government that cares
Social Development Month, commemorated annually in October, highlights government’s commitment to the well-being of the most vulnerable in society.
With the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) taking a huge toll on the economy, and the recent unrest destroying many livelihoods in KwaZuluNatal and Gauteng, providing a safety net for at-risk people is a responsibility our caring government takes very seriously.
The COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant of R350 is one government’s mechanisms for cushioning people from the blows of poverty. It benefits unemployed people, many of whom lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement in July that the grant was being reintroduced brought hope to many people. At the end of August, the first payments had already been made.
The SRD grant and caregiver allowance proved hugely effectively last year, with the National Income Dynamics Study: Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey estimating that between March and June 2020, COVID-19 relief measures reduced the number of households with incomes below the food poverty line from 20.6% to 18.8%. Research confirmed that the majority of recipients used the money to buy food.
This time around, more people are eligible for the grant – which is set to run until the end of March 2022, because government has extended it to unemployed caregivers who receive a child support grant, but do not receive a personal grant.
By the beginning of September, nearly 12 million people had applied for the grant.
Our public service is to be applauded for understanding the everyday challenges imposed by poverty. It has responded to these by making the application process as accessible as possible, through a user-friendly application system and the introduction of new application channels, such as the GovChat app and Facebook Messenger.
Government’s other responses to the hardships faced by so many include widespread food relief and assistance to small businesses impacted by the unrest.
In addition, government is contributing R400 million to the Humanitarian Crisis Relief Fund established by the Solidarity Fund. The COVID-19 TERS scheme has also been extended to those sectors affected by Alert Level 4 restrictions.
Regrettably, some public servants have fraudulently applied for the SRD grant, as well as other social grants. I call on all government employees to remember the ubuntu values that make up the backbone of the public service.
Recommit yourselves to putting the people of South Africa first and acknowledge how fortunate you are to have a job that pays a decent living wage, unlike so many of the people we are here to serve. They deserve our humanity and tireless service to bettering their lives.
This Social Development Month, let us unite in the spirit of caring and rekindle our passion for South Africa and its people. Let’s also protect each other by stepping up to get vaccinated against COVID-19.