BORN FREE, BLOCKED BY THE SYSTEM

FORTY-NINE years after the 1976 youth rose up for their future, a new generation is still fighting - this time, for access to basic survival.

- KAREN SINGH

Blocked by digital dead-ends, outdated databases, and silent systems, many young South Africans are being denied the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant - an essential support in a country where jobs are scarce and promises often fall flat.

These technical barriers are hindering the efforts of youth applicants to secure these funds, according to the social justice organisation, Black Sash.

South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) spokesperson Andile Tshona said while there are currently over four million young beneficiaries receiving SRD grants, it is difficult to say whether this figure is more or less than the previous years, as the numbers keep changing.

"Remember that the SRD grant is not permanent. Some come through the system through approvals. At the same time, others get off the SRD grant as they no longer qualify after being reviewed," he said.

Black Sash executive director Rachel Bukasa said youth applicants for the SRD grant face multiple systemic and technical barriers.