Ramaphosa dangles R350 carrot ahead of elections
ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa says the governing party will look into reinstating the R350 social relief of distress grants as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating effect on lives and livelihoods.
Government introduced the grants at the onset of the pandemic last year.
The relief measures would be a part of the massive R500 billion economic stimulus package announced by head of state Ramaphosa.
The grants were initially set down for six months but were later extended twice.
Government has since fielded calls to keep the grant as a permanent feature as a reposes to the rampant unemployment.
Addressing ANC supporters at the Siyanqoba rally in Soweto on Friday, Ramaphosa vowed to take the matter up with government.
“We all appreciate the devastating impact of Covid-19 on our economy and on our society.
“I can tell you something, our people love the R350,” he said.
Ramaphosa admitted it wouldn’t be an easy feat.
“I know this R350 has helped millions of our people and we are going to see how best we can continue alleviating poverty amongst our people. I know they want the R350 to continue, I know that.
“We are going to look at that with the little resources that we have because we have to balance many things but we will see as we craft the budget for next year, we will see what we do in this regard.”
During his keynote address to supporters, Ramaphosa also vowed to ensure better housing for poor communities, efficient service delivery, to root out corruption and restore the party’s glorified status.
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