ActionSA Welcomes Proposed Changes to SRD Grants Eligibility Criteria, Calls for More Economic and Employment Opportunities
Press Statement by Emma More MPL
ActionSA Member of the Gauteng Legislature
ActionSA welcomes the proposed changes to the eligibility criteria for Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants applicants. The proposed distinction between ‘income’ and ‘financial support’ will help more indigent individuals to access the grant.
Many deserving individuals were unfairly excluded from accessing this grant due to some form of financial support from family members and friends, for instance. Whilst we understand the need for government to maintain fiscal sustainability, we emphasize that any reforms must prioritize the most vulnerable citizens.
We appreciate the socioeconomic role that these grants play in alleviating poverty for the most impoverished, however ActionSA strongly believes that Gauteng residents would be better served by the creation of more economic and employment opportunities.
With 47% of the labour force in Gauteng being unemployed – based on the expanded definition – the Provincial Government should be focusing on removing obstacles to economic growth.
Addressing infrastructure backlog as well as intervening on failures of Municipalities, such as power outages and water shortages – which have led to a sharp drop in investor confidence – would be a good start.
Gauteng government must ensure that there is effective implementation and minimise bureaucratic hurdles so that these grants are optimally and universally accessible to the needy. We also urge government to explore complementary initiatives for affected individuals, such as capacity building, in order for beneficiaries to ultimately, be self-sustaining.
ActionSA will closely monitor developments, advocating for a balanced approach that supports those in need whilst promoting economic inclusion and fiscal responsibility.
ActionSA Welcomes Proposed Changes to SRD Grants Eligibility Criteria, Calls for More Economic and Employment Opportunities
ActionSA welcomes the proposed changes to the eligibility criteria for Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants applicants. The proposed distinction between ‘income’ and ‘financial support’ will help more indigent individuals to access the grant.
Many deserving individuals were unfairly excluded from accessing this grant due to some form of financial support from family members and friends, for instance. Whilst we understand the need for government to maintain fiscal sustainability, we emphasize that any reforms must prioritize the most vulnerable citizens.
We appreciate the socioeconomic role that these grants play in alleviating poverty for the most impoverished, however ActionSA strongly believes that Gauteng residents would be better served by the creation of more economic and employment opportunities.
With 47% of the labour force in Gauteng being unemployed – based on the expanded definition – the Provincial Government should be focusing on removing obstacles to economic growth.
Addressing infrastructure backlog as well as intervening on failures of Municipalities, such as power outages and water shortages – which have led to a sharp drop in investor confidence – would be a good start.
Gauteng government must ensure that there is effective implementation and minimise bureaucratic hurdles so that these grants are optimally and universally accessible to the needy. We also urge government to explore complementary initiatives for affected individuals, such as capacity building, in order for beneficiaries to ultimately, be self-sustaining.
ActionSA will closely monitor developments, advocating for a balanced approach that supports those in need whilst promoting economic inclusion and fiscal responsibility.