PLANS FOR 'LIVELIHOOD GRANT'

Social Relief of Distress funding extended

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA and STAFF REPORTER

FINANCE Minister Enoch Godongwana yesterday revealed that discussions regarding a new Livelihood Grant to replace the widely-utilised Social Relief of Distress Grant are currently underway.

During a closed media briefing prior to his 2026 Budget Speech in Parliament, Godongwana said the modalities and format of what President Cyril Ramaphosa referred to as a Livelihood Grant, were still to be discussed.

"The final details will be outlined in the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement after we have a better understanding of how the Livelihood Grant will work," he said.

The Social Relief of Distress Grant, introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, has been a lifeline for millions of South Africans facing food insecurity.

Ramaphosa pointed out in his State of the Nation Address earlier this year, that this grant has played a pivotal role in alleviating widespread poverty.

"This year, we will redesign the grant to more effectively support livelihoods, skills development, work opportunities and productive activity," he said.

As Godongwana addressed the MPs, he said the Social Relief of Distress grant will continue in its current form during the 2026/27 financial year.