No, the R370 SRD grant is not ending, here’s what government actually said

No, the R370 SRD grant is not ending, here’s what government actually said

If your WhatsApp groups have been buzzing with warnings that the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is coming to an end, you’re not alone and you don’t need to panic.

The Department of Social Development (DSD) has moved quickly to shut down viral claims suggesting the grant is being scrapped, confirming that the information circulating on social media is simply not true.

For millions of South Africans who rely on the SRD grant to cover basic needs, the rumours struck a nerve. But according to government, the grant remains firmly in place and funded for the foreseeable future.

Fake posts spark real fear

The confusion began after social media posts started circulating this week, many featuring the image of Social Development Minister Nokuzola Tolashe alongside official-looking government branding.

The posts falsely claimed that the R370 SRD grant would soon be discontinued, triggering widespread concern among beneficiaries who already face financial uncertainty.

In response, the DSD issued a statement on Wednesday, making it clear that there has been no announcement, decision or directive to end the SRD grant.

The department also warned that creating and sharing images that falsely portray government officials is unlawful and contributes to unnecessary panic.

“There is no decision to end the SRD”

In its statement, the department did not mince its words.

It categorically denied the claims, urging grant recipients to verify information through official government channels before sharing posts online.

The DSD stressed that misinformation of this nature causes distress, particularly among vulnerable households that depend on social grants to survive.

For clarity, the department reminded the public that legitimate updates are only shared via official platforms including the DSD website, its WhatsApp channel, Sassa communication platforms and verified government social media pages.

The grant is extended until 2027

What often gets lost in viral misinformation is the actual policy position.

The SRD grant was formally extended until 2027, a decision announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana during his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement in November.

While the R370 grant is currently under review as part of discussions around “active labour market programmes”, that review process does not signal the end of the grant. It was scheduled to be concluded by September and forms part of broader plans around unemployment support.

R284.7 billion set aside for social grants

Further reassurance came earlier this year when Godongwana confirmed that R284.7 billion has been allocated for social grants in the 2025/26 financial year.

In his budget speech, the minister said the SRD grant would play a key role in shaping a more sustainable income support system for unemployed South Africans.

He emphasised that government spending on grants remains a central tool for addressing inequality and protecting vulnerable households.

Why these rumours keep resurfacing

South Africa’s grant system has long been a hot topic, particularly since the SRD was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic. Each budget cycle, review process or leadership change tends to trigger speculation about whether the grant will survive.

On social media, anxiety spreads fast especially when posts appear to carry official logos or familiar faces. This week’s incident is another reminder of how quickly misinformation can undermine public trust.

What grant recipients should do

The DSD is urging beneficiaries to pause before sharing alarming posts and to rely only on official government sources for updates.

If you’re unsure about a message you’ve received, check directly with Sassa or the Department of Social Development through their verified platforms.

For now, the message from government is clear: the R370 SRD grant is not ending, and funding for social assistance remains firmly on the national agenda.

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com