Department of Social Development to appeal SRD grant court ruling

JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Social Development has announced its intention to appeal a recent judgment regarding the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD).

The judgment delivered by the North Gauteng High Court last month was in response to a case brought by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ).

The court ruled in favour of the IEJ and #PayTheGrants coalition - paving the way for up to 18.3 million people to access the SRD grant.

The grant was introduced to support South Africans who were unemployed during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

But it was extended to March 2025. 

READ: Court rules SASSA's 2023 regulations limiting access to SRD grant unconstitutional & invalid

The court's decision is a significant victory for the institute for IEJ and #PayTheGrants coalition, who have been advocating for the rights of vulnerable citizens. 

However, the Social Development Department has announced its intention to appeal the judgment. 

"After careful consideration and having sought legal counsel, the department has decided to pursue an appeal against the orders issued," said the department's Acting Deputy Director General, Lumka Oliphant. 

She adds the department respects the judicial process but disagrees with the decision and its implications for the administration of the SRD grant.

The department said that despite the appeal, it's committed to serving vulnerable South Africans with integrity. 

Meanwhile, the South African Social Security Agency will continue to administer the SRD grant to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.