R350 SRD| COSATU lambasts government for cutting the Special COVID-19 Social Relief Dispensation grant

LABOUR federation COSATU has lambasted the government’s unilateral decision to cut the R350 Special Relief Dispensation (SRD) Grant meant for unemployed and millions of South Africans trapped in hunger and poverty, branding it “callous”.

Earlier this month, the Department of Social Development published new regulations outlining a revised system for the dispensation of the R350 grant.

Previously, around 10 million persons who had an income of R595 (food poverty line) or less were entitled to receive the R350 SRD Grant. 

But with the new revised changes, people who earn more than R350 will no longer be eligible for the grant. 

COSATU spokesperson Sizwe Pamla said it was ‘disappointing’ that the income threshold has now been slashed by nearly 60% to an income cap of R350.  

“In other words, close to three (3) million or 30% of the grant recipients who earned between R351 and R595 will no longer be eligible after a