Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed that the government will allocate an additional R2.7 billion from the main budget specifically for Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants.
The Finance Minister delivered the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on Wednesday, 31 October 2024.
Known as the "mini-budget," the MTBPS provides government departments with the opportunity to adjust budgets, apply for rollovers, and request extra funds for unexpected or unavoidable expenses. It also establishes the policy groundwork for the annual Budget presented in February and updates National Treasury's economic projections.
During the speech, Godongwana said government will prioritise immediate spending needs.
Key spending increases for the 2024 fiscal year include R2.7 billion allocated mainly for Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress grants as part of the main budget.
The medium-term spending adjustments are aimed at maintaining the integrity of key institutions and improving state capability.
Digitisation of Government Systems
Godongwana also announced the rollout of digital infrastructure for the provision of essential services.
The finance minister annoyed the digitising and simplifying the application and disbursement process for social grants.
Each month, the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) distributes over 18 million permanent grant payments, including the Older Persons pension grant, Disability grant, War Veterans grant, Care Dependency grant, Foster Child grant, Child Support grant, Child Support grant Top-Up and Grant-in-aid.
The introduction of digital infrastructure for the application and disbursement of social grants could have several benefits and make grants more accessible to those who need them most.
