BLACK SASH WELCOMES COURT VICTORY ON SRD GRANT

To: Editors and journalists

Issued by: Black Sash

Black Sash congratulates the Institute For Economic Justice (IEJ) and #PayTheGrants(#PTG) on the recent court ruling on the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. This landmark decision is a victory for the millions of vulnerable South Africans who rely on this crucial support to meet their basic needs.

The ruling reaffirms the constitutional imperative to uphold the right to social assistance and ensures that government policies align with the principles of dignity and equality. It is a significant step in the fight against poverty and the realisation of economic justice for all.

Black Sash has long advocated for a comprehensive and inclusive social security system that leaves no one behind.

The legal challenge aligns with the issues we have consistently raised with the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in meetings, communications and making submissions where we have pointed out:

  • how the continued reliance on an exclusively digital application system:
  • the use of outdated government databases for eligibility verification;
  • an ineffective appeals process that doesn’t allow for submission of new evidence; and
  • the grant amount remains at R350, far below the current Food Poverty Line of R796

excludes many who should qualify whereby its limited reach fails to make a significant impact.

We condemn the exclusionary nature of the SRD Grant which fails to fulfil its objective of providing a lifeline for the millions of unemployed in South Africa, but rather benefits government’s austerity measures. “The SRD Grant is not a handout nor a favor by government to its people. It is a constitutional imperative which aids economic growth,” says Black Sash Executive Director, Rachel Bukasa. “The persistent failure to address these concerns had previously compelled Black Sash to turn to the courts to challenge the regulations governing the SRD Grant” says Bukasa.

The organization is particularly concerned about the declining budget allocation for the grant, which has been reduced from R44 billion in 2022 to R33.6 billion in 2024, despite increasing unemployment and poverty levels. As of January 2024, only 8.4 million beneficiaries were approved out of 15.9 million applicants.

Black Sash calls on the government to:

  • Increase the SRD Grant to at least match the Food Poverty Line of R796;
  • Implement a hybrid application system that includes both digital and face-to-face options;
  • Reform the appeals process to allow for additional evidence submission;
  • Update and improve database verification systems; and
  • Work towards implementing permanent Basic Income Support for those aged 18 to 59 years.

For more information about the impact of inadequate social assistance on vulnerable South Africans, visit https://www.blacksash.org.za/basic-income-support/

The SRD grant serves as a lifeline for unemployed individuals and those in precarious economic conditions, and this victory paves the way for greater transparency, accessibility, and adequacy in grant provision.

We urge the government to comply fully with the court’s directives and take meaningful steps to strengthen social protection measures. The current economic climate demands urgent action to ensure that all South Africans, particularly the most marginalised, receive the support they are entitled to.

Black Sash remains committed to working alongside civil society and government to advance social justice and secure the right to social security for all. We call on policymakers to prioritise the long-term sustainability of a Basic Income Support system to address the growing socio-economic challenges facing our country.

About Black Sash:
The primary focus of the Black Sash is human rights. The organization works towards the realisation of socio-economic rights, as outlined in the South African Constitution, with an emphasis on social security and social protection for particularly women, children and the most vulnerable. In so doing, it seeks to reduce poverty and inequality.

For media inquiries, please contact: Antony Mafume: +27 68 592 3801/ intern_antony@blacksash.org.za