Speaking at the State of the Nation address back in February, President Cyril Ramaphosa all but green-lit the 2025 Basic Income Grant in his speech. Then, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana was meant to elaborate further on the nuts and bolts of the 2025 Basic Income Grant in his budget speech two weeks ago.
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While the latter’s address did at least announce new social grant increases, and the South African Social Security Agency finalised all grant payment dates till March 2025, the 2025 Basic Income Grant topic remains unresolved.
2025 BASIC INCOME GRANT
Created originally as Social Relief of Distress (SRD) for the COVID-19 pandemic, the government pays more than 8-million South Africans a R350 stipend each month. It is this scheme for distressed and unemployed youth that will become the backbone for the 2025 Basic Income Grant, reports IOL.
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During a media briefing this week (1 March 2024) to discuss the African National Congress’ election manifesto, Zulu had this to say about progress on the 2025 Basic Income Grant. “Moving SRD to the Basic Income Grant must not be seen in isolation of overall comprehensive social security for South Africans. We confirm we will continue to pay the R350 SRD grant till March 2025,” said Zulu.
COMMITTEE MEETING
As far as progress on the 2025 Basic Income Grant promised by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Zulu said her department would revert back to the party and the social transformation committee for a way forward. However, research on growing the economy and increasing youth employment still needs to take place and be first priority. She said her department was focusing on young people because they are the ones receiving SRD grants.
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“We are not only looking at paying the 2025 Basic Income Grant, but we are part and parcel of a government that looks for solutions to growing the economy and linking grant beneficiaries to economic opportunities. When we (ANC) took power, there were times when the economy was bad. But we didn’t expose our people to vulnerability,” Zulu said.
SASSA INCREASES
Furthermore, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced South Africa would spend R260 billion on social welfare in 2025. This equates to 3.6% of our total GDP. So, how much should the R350 SRD be raised by to make a 2025 Basic Income Grant? Many civil rights organisations, like the Social Policy Initiative, say anything between R1 000 to R1 500 per month for active jobseekers will suffice.
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Furthermore, by October 2024, SASSA grants will have increased as follows:
- R100: Old Age, War Veterans, Disability and Care Dependency.
- R50: Foster Care.
- R20: Child Support.
- R0: Social Relief of Distress (unchanged).
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Will government ever implement a 2025 Basic Income Grant? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.
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