#PayTheGrants
What happens when the help meant for the poorest, is too expensive for them to reach? This is the crisis of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, introduced in South Africa (SA)during the Covid-19 Pandemic to help many in the face of dire poverty, unemployment and inequality. Yet right now, millions of our people are left excluded. And those who can access it remain struggling. We deserve better; a better grant, a better basic income, a better economy that is built for you.
As #PayTheGrants (#PTG), that is what we stand for.
We are a community-based organisation and registered NPO (287-115), working across the country. We help our people access the support they deserve, confront corruption, push for better systems and policies, and advocate for basic income. Nothing about us without us.
Now, we are taking the government to court in our pursuit for justice. Along with our partner, IEJ, and lawyers, SERI we launched the case in 2023, and now stand ready to be heard in High Court on 29 & 30 October 2024. Our aim? To challenge the many ways in which those in need are excluded from the SRD Grant.
It does not end here. There is a long journey ahead. And we are ready. Because what happens here can impact not only the SRD Grant, but the future of social protection in SA; towards a more fair, inclusive, and effective system that sees its people as the most important investment.
#PayTheGrants
About Us
What happens when the help meant for the poorest, is too expensive for them to reach? This is the crisis of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, introduced in South Africa (SA)during the Covid-19 Pandemic to help many in the face of dire poverty, unemployment and inequality. Yet right now, millions of our people are left excluded. And those who can access it remain struggling. We deserve better; a better grant, a better basic income, a better economy that is built for you.
As #PayTheGrants (#PTG), that is what we stand for.
We are a community-based organisation and registered NPO (287-115), working across the country. We help our people access the support they deserve, confront corruption, push for better systems and policies, and advocate for basic income. Nothing about us without us.
Now, we are taking the government to court in our pursuit for justice. Along with our partner, IEJ, and lawyers, SERI we launched the case in 2023, and now stand ready to be heard in High Court on 29 & 30 October 2024. Our aim? To challenge the many ways in which those in need are excluded from the SRD Grant.
It does not end here. There is a long journey ahead. And we are ready. Because what happens here can impact not only the SRD Grant, but the future of social protection in SA; towards a more fair, inclusive, and effective system that sees its people as the most important investment.
Budget
Cap
The SRD is meant for the poorest right? E-e. It is for a few. And Treasury wants it less & less every year. Right now, +16mil qualify, but less than half access.
Online-only
Access
No data? Smartphone broken? Stuck online? Uxolo, the only way to apply is online. SASSA offices are not even trained to help.
flawed
checks
Once you apply, you will be checked against outdated databases.
How is that right?
everything
= income
Get help from family? Found a piecemeal job? Sold your stuff to survive? According to SASSA, that counts as “income”.
starvation
threshold
Qaphela. More than R624 in your account = rejected. Kanti, having R625 for the family means we are still starving.
fake Appeals
Process
Rejected, and you want to appeal? Shap. But no evidence is allowed. Baie dankie. No justice in this court.98% failure rate.
Payments
never made
Approved? Halala! But were you paid? Pay dates that never arrive, verification links not sent, money disappeared, the list continues...
poverty value
received
And if you get the R370? It is something, but barely. Our people deserve enough to survive AND to better their lives.
The Key Issues
The legal challenge highlights several critical issues that undermine the grant’s effectiveness and fairness. These include:
Featured Products
Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles.
Best
Sellers
Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles.
Back in
Stock
Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles.
OUR STORIES
The human impact of the injustices in the application and delivery of the SDG grant cannot be overlooked.
The following stories are those of communities who have struggled for years to survive on a grant that is designed to fail them.
Contact US
Media & Other Queries:
Grants Assistance:
*We are not SASSA, & can only assist where able.
**Explain any issues fully, but keep your security details safe.
***We are an independent organisation of community activists.