Hlokomelo Mabogale |
More than 80 civil organisations in South Africa are calling on the government to increase the R350 relief fund and also extend it to next year March.
The organisations said R350 should be increased to R580 per month as this money has proven to be fighting hunger amongst unemployed people. The government is asked to keep the money on until it (government) has a comprehensive plan for guaranteed basic incomes.
October is said to be the last payment of R350 Covid-19 relief fund. The civil society organisations said now is not the time to cut back on social assistance.
Shaeera Kalla from C19 People’s Coalition said the pandemic is far from over and South Africa is at risk of a second wave. “The grants should be extended until at least the end of the current financial year in March. All available information suggests that government has decided not to extend the grants at the end of October.”
Furthermore, she said government’s decision to terminate the relief measures is both “irresponsible and reprehensible” given the socio-economic realities of the country.
