Black Sash urges government to turn SRD grant into meaningful Basic Income Grant

Human rights group Black Sash has welcomed the ANC’s renewed promise to turn the current R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant into a permanent Basic Income Grant (BIG). The ANC’s statement, made by Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula in Soweto, signals a commitment to long-term financial support for the unemployed and people living in poverty.

The SRD grant, introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, has been a lifeline for nearly 13 million people – including South Africans, refugees, and asylum seekers – many of whom have no other income or support.

But Black Sash warns that simply renaming the SRD grant is not enough. The group says a real Basic Income Grant must be available to everyone who needs it, must be easy to access, and must be enough to cover basic needs. The current amount of R370 is far below the food poverty line and cannot help people live with dignity or escape poverty.

Black Sash is calling on government to:

• Share a clear plan and timeline for introducing a proper BIG;

• Fix the problems with the SRD system that unfairly block eligible people;

• Raise the grant amount to at least match the poverty line; and

• Fund the grant in a way that won’t hurt other social services.

The group also raised concerns about late payments and poor administration, saying government departments like SASSA and Treasury need to improve so people don’t suffer unnecessary hardship.

“Black Sash is ready to work with government and civil society to make sure this grant truly helps build a fairer South Africa where everyone can live with dignity,” the organisation said.