SASSA has stated they are the victims of ‘fake news’ on Wednesday, after a popular Facebook account claimed that the R350 grant would be extended for another two months. However, that false hope has been swiftly extinguished by the department, who have denied that SRD payments will get a two-month extension.
No SRD payments after October, warns SASSA
As it stands, October is the last month where R350 grant payments will be made to applicants. The temporary scheme was set-up to help citizens through the worst of the COVID-19 crisis. However, with over six million recipients registered since April 2020, this has been a costly operation for the government.
Although some ministers have given their staunch support to extending the R350 grant payments beyond October, they have also conceded that finding the money to finance it permanently will be a problem. The latest estimates suggest that it will cost upwards of R200 billion each year if the SRD handouts become a ‘Basic Income Grant’.
SASSA dismisses ‘fake news’ about R350 grant extension
This is a major stumbling block, and with South Africa’s fiscal reserves already depleted by the impact of a global pandemic, it seems that this temporary relief grant will run its course during the remainder of October. This is not the news millions of South Africans were hoping to hear – but, at least, there are active campaigns lobbying to extend the R350 grant.
“Please note that the below information [regarding a payment extension] is FALSE and does NOT come from SASSA. The special COVID-19 temporary SRD grant will be paid only until the end of this month to successful and approved applicants… arrangements for this social grant have been made only until the end of October 2020.”
SASSA statement
Please note that the below information is FALSE and does NOT come from SASSA. The special COVID-19 temporary SRD grant will be paid only until the end of October 2020 to successful and approved applicants. #SASSACARES @The_DSD @GCISMedia @GovernmentZA @nda_rsa pic.twitter.com/aWfDHT15UA
— SASSA (@OfficialSASSA) October 14, 2020
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