SOCIAL DEPARTMENT TO APPEAL THE JUDGMENT ON COVID-19 SOCIAL RELIEF OF DISTRESS

• The Department of Social Development will appeal a court judgment on changing the implementation of the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (cSRD).
• This follows the department carefully considering the judgment and seeking legal counsel on the matter.
• The department has reassured vulnerable South Africans that the South African Social Security Agency will continue to administer the cSRD as per the existing guidelines to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.

After careful consideration and having sought legal counsel, the Department of Social Department plans to appeal the judgment of the North Gauteng High Court regarding the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (cSRD).

The judgment was handed down on 23 January 2025, ordering a change to the regulations and administration of the cSRD. This follows a case brought by the Institute of Economic Justice and #Paythegrants.

While the department respects the judicial process and the principles it upholds; the department does not agree with the judgment nor its implications for the administration of the cSRD.

The department reaffirms its commitment to serving vulnerable South Africans with integrity, fairness, and transparency.

“We remain steadfast in our efforts to balance the need for accountability with the practicalities of delivering critical support to millions of beneficiaries,” the department says.

The South African Social Security Agency will continue to administer the cSRD as per the existing guidelines to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.

The department calls for patience and understanding as it works towards a sustainable resolution that upholds the principles of justice and the Constitution.