- President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that job seekers will receive a grant that will replace the crisis social relief grant
- Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana revealed during his budget speech that the SRD grant will be increased
- Ramaphosa said the job seekers grant will be a redesigned version of the SRD grant
Tebogo Mokwena, News in Brief' The Deputy Head of Current Affairs contributed coverage of international and local social issues in South Africa, including health, corruption, education, unemployment, labour, service delivery protests and immigration during his seven years at the Daily Sun and Vutivii Business News.
Source: Twitter
Cape Town, Western Cape – President Cyril Ramaphosa On 19 March 2026, it was said that the Social Distress Relief (SRD) grant, which was extended by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, would be changed to create a grant for job seekers.
Ramaphosa gave the keynote address News24's At the On the Record Summit cape town. According to BusinessTech, he mentioned the SRD grant, which the Department of Social Development confirmed Will be extended till 2027It will be redesigned to provide comprehensive assistance to recipients to find employment and maintain their lives. This grant will also equip job seekers with economic opportunities to improve their lives.
Who will benefit from the Job Seekers Grant?
The Department of Social Development said the grants will connect beneficiaries aged 18 to 59 with employment, training and expertise opportunities. DSD has begun consultations with National Treasury on funding the new grant. The draft policy will be finalized before the end of March.
Source: Twitter
South Africans react
Netizens weigh the pros and cons of job seeker grants Country's high unemployment rate Currently wrestling.
Ree said:
“They are denying us access to jobs and paying us crap to make us wait for something at the end of the month. It's disgusting.”
All Things Current Affairs Viewed:
“Oh, grants are helping, but can we get permanent jobs? Not everything can and should be solved through handouts.”
Sedirea21 believed that Ramaphosa was campaigning.
“Elections are around the corner. Let the empty promises flow.”
Jake said:
“For those looking for a job, please know there is nothing unless you are looking outside the country. That R370 won't even get you a trip to the airport.”
Sara Laubscher asked:
“How do you look for a job that doesn't exist?”
Lungile opined:
“All they have to do is eliminate minimum wage and BEE, and there will be jobs everywhere.”
SP commented:
“So a permanent unemployment grant, in other words?”
Just asking, not impressed.
“Really, Mr. President? This is just another SASSA grant, considering there are already no jobs for the people.”
Cyril Ramaphosa not consulted about PKTT dissolution
In a related article, news in brief President Cyril Ramaphosa was reported to have revealed that the police have been suspended Minister Senzo Mchunu did not consult him When he disbanded the Political Killings Task Team.
Ramaphosa made this revelation in response to questions raised Parliament In March 2026. He said he was unhappy that Mchunu did not consult him.
Source: News in Brief