Public Invited to Comment on Extension of COVID-19 SRD Grant

Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe has called on members of the public to submit comments on proposed amendments to the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) regulations.

The grant, which is currently set to end on 31 March 2026, will be extended for a further 12 months — from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. Successful applicants will continue to receive the R370 monthly payment.

Written submissions on the draft amendments must be made within 21 days of their publication in the Government Gazette on 11 February 2026.

In a statement, the department explained:

“Following the official pronouncement of the extension, the Minister of Social Development is required to operationalise the extension through publication of the Amendments to the COVID-19 SRD Regulations in the Government Gazette before 31 March 2026. The aim of these amendments is to formalise the 12-month extension from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. This means the monthly amount of R370 will be paid to successful applicants from 1 April 2026 until March 2027.”

The department said the amendment process ensures the extension is legally formalised and provides the public with an opportunity to comment before it takes effect.

VOC News

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