The ANC National Executive Committee outlines new social relief measures, highlighting the temporary nature of SRD grants and future plans for financial aid.
In a recent announcement at the ANC NEC (National Executive Committee) lekgotla, the party confirmed that the SASSA SRD grant, which has provided much-needed relief to many South Africans, is a temporary measure. The NEC emphasized that the goal is to transition beneficiaries off the SRD grant as the economy recovers and labour-intensive programs are rolled out.
This discussion comes amid a range of new social interventions aimed at addressing unemployment and other household financial strains. These interventions were discussed during the NEC’s second day of meetings on Johannesburg’s east rand this past weekend, as part of the party’s long-term objectives for 2025. The plan includes VAT exemptions for electricity, a proposed fuel price cap, and expanded zero-rated food items, with a focus on nutritious products.
SRD Grants: A Safety Net, Not a Long-Term Solution
The ANC NEC’s proposal on the SRD grants outlined that while they are vital for short-term relief, the long-term objective is to assist individuals in transitioning into sustainable employment. Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, clarified that the SRD grant was intended to act as a temporary safety net. “Our belief is once we fix the performance of the economy and once we get these labour-intensive programs going, automatically people will fall off the SRD,” said Godlimpi.
This statement reflects the ANC’s plan to boost economic performance, focusing on job creation and empowering communities. The party hopes that as more labour-intensive programs are initiated, fewer South Africans will rely on the SRD grant. This shift aligns with the broader economic reform and social welfare goals set by the party.
New Social Interventions: From Basic Income to Industrial Rebirth
Alongside SRD grant changes, the ANC’s proposed interventions include pursuing a universal basic income grant (UBIG) and creating an emerging industrialist fund to stimulate “reindustrialisation.” These proposals aim to combat unemployment and help revive local industries.
Further, the ANC seeks to resolve municipal debt and tackle the country’s infrastructure challenges by ringfencing water revenue. With these measures, the ANC intends to create more sustainable public services and address issues in municipal management.
“Electricity for All”: Powering Households Across South Africa
The ANC’s proposed interventions also address basic services, with a particular focus on electricity. Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramakgopa, presented his plan to ensure electricity for all South Africans, revealing that millions of households still lack electricity connections. In addition to improving infrastructure and tackling illegal connections, the ANC plans to expand the electricity grid, which will help provide free basic electricity to qualifying households.
This plan, which also includes fighting load shedding, is part of broader efforts to improve the country’s energy security. Ramakgopa’s vision is to build a more reliable energy infrastructure to ensure that every South African has access to basic electricity.
Conclusion: The ANC’s Path to Financial Stability
The ANC NEC’s confirmation of the temporary nature of the SRD grant is part of a larger plan to revitalize South Africa’s economy and improve the livelihoods of South Africans. The proposed interventions, including economic growth measures, social welfare reforms, and infrastructure improvements, offer a roadmap to greater financial stability for the country.
As the ANC continues to outline its 2025 objectives, these interventions are poised to address key challenges like unemployment, municipal debt, and access to basic services, with an emphasis on making social relief systems more sustainable in the long run.
Also read: High Court Declares Sassa’s SRD Grant Online-Only Application Rule Unconstitutional and Invalid
