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10 October 2008

Social Development Minister, Dr Zola Skweyiya, announced today, 10 November 2008, the allocation of a further R500 million to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and to provincial departments of Social Development (DSD), to provide relief to households or individuals facing hardship.

“This allocation reflects our commitment to address the challenges of rising food and fuel prices faced by many of our people. We encourage civil society and faith-based organisations to continue to raise awareness of the social relief of distress,” said Dr. Skweyiya

Earlier this year the Department allocated R124 million for Social Relief, of which more than 70 percent has already been utilised. The R500 million will be divided between the nine provinces with KwaZulu-Natal being the biggest beneficiary of R119 million, and the Eastern Cape receiving R100 million. Provinces will be expected to spend this money before the end of this financial year.

Social relief of distress is a temporary provision of assistance intended for people facing hardships and unable to meet their or their families’ most basic needs.

In order to qualify for Social Relief of Distress, the applicant must comply with one or more of the following conditions:

* The applicant is awaiting permanent aid;
* The applicant has been found medically unfit to undertake remunerative work for a period of less than six months;
* The breadwinner is deceased and insufficient means are available;
* The applicant has been affected by a disaster, and the specific area has not yet been declared a disaster area; and the applicant has appealed against the suspension of his or her grant;
* The person is not a member of a household that is already receiving social assistance;
* The person is not receiving assistance from any other organisation.

Social Relief of Distress is issued monthly or for any other period for a maximum period of three months. Extension of the period by a further three months may be granted in exceptional cases.

Division of R500 million between provinces
Eastern Cape: R100 000 000.00
Free State: R34 500 000.00
Gauteng: R62 000 000.00
KwaZulu-Natal: R119 500 000.00
Limpopo: R80 000 000.00
Mpumalanga: R36 500 000.00
Northern Cape: R12 500 000.00
North West: R33 500 000.00
Western Cape: R21 500 000.00
Total: R500 000 000.00

Enquiries:
Zanele Mngadi
Cell: 082 330 1148

Issued by: Department of Social Development
10 October 2008