COSATU wants the government to raise the Social Relief of Distress R370 grant before the announcement of the national budget for 2026. The labor federation asserts that the existing grant amount needs to be increased because it does not provide sufficient funds for essential living expenses which multiple vulnerable South Africans need. COSATU states that rising food prices and fuel costs together with electricity expenditures create difficulties for grant recipients to deliver their essential requirements. The union believes that increasing the grant amount will decrease poverty and inequality which affects both unemployed people and low-income families.
R370 Grant Still Below Poverty Line
The R370 monthly payment for COSATU members does not cover essential needs because it remains far below the food poverty line according to the organization. The union insists that the government must prioritise social protection and allocate more funds to support vulnerable citizens. The government established the SRD grant as a temporary financial relief program during the COVID-19 pandemic but now it serves as a primary income source for millions of South Africans who continue to face unemployment and underemployment.
Calls for Permanent Basic Income Support
COSATU has also renewed calls for a permanent basic income support mechanism. The federation believes that a universal income support system would provide long-term financial security for people without stable employment. The union explained that social grants function as essential economic drivers because beneficiaries utilize their funds to purchase necessary products and services which help local enterprises flourish.
Government Faces Budget Pressure
The government needs to handle its budget for 2026 because multiple public spending requirements create financial challenges. Some policymakers believe that increasing grants will create public finance problems while COSATU demands that social protection should receive ongoing priority.
The union urged the government to explore progressive taxation and other funding options to finance social welfare programmes without cutting essential services.
What Beneficiaries Should Expect
Grant beneficiaries wait for budget announcements which will determine their potential grant amount increase before the 2026 budget begins. COSATU’s demand for a grant value review has created additional pressure on policymakers despite the fact that no official decision exists yet.
The R370 payment will continue for beneficiaries at this time but any future changes will rely on the government budget announcement.
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