JOHANNESBURG — Widespread panic swept across social media this week after viral posts claimed the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant was about to be scrapped. The Department of Social Development (DSD) has now issued a firm response, categorically denying the rumours and warning that the posts are “false and unlawful.”
In an official media statement, the department said it had “noted with concern videos and graphics circulating on social media platforms falsely claiming that the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (cSRD) is about to stop.”
“The Department wishes to categorically state that these claims are false. There is no such decision, announcement or directive from the Department or government regarding the termination of the cSRD.”
The misleading posts, some featuring manipulated images of Social Development Minister Nokuzola Tolashe and government branding, sparked fear among millions who depend on the monthly R370 payment.
“The Department further cautions that it is unlawful to use the official image of the Minister and use of the Department’s logo without authorisation, particularly for the purpose of spreading misinformation. Such actions are misleading and constitute a misrepresentation of government communication.”
Why the Panic? A System Under Scrutiny
The rumours emerged during a period of heightened sensitivity around SASSA payments. January saw intensified verification checks, with thousands of grants paused or reassessed — a process explained in NOWinSA’s report on why thousands of SASSA grants are being reviewed or stopped.
Beneficiaries are also closely tracking the January 2026 SASSA payment schedule and responding to a recent SASSA payment change warning—a climate in which misinformation spreads fast.
At the same time, SASSA is rolling out a new verification system designed to curb fraud and save billions, detailed in how SASSA’s new system will save South Africa R341 million in 2026.
Despite the anxiety, the SRD grant’s future is already secured in national policy.
SRD Extended to 2027
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has extended the SRD grant to 2027 and allocated R284.7 billion for social grants in the 2025/26 financial year. In his budget speech, he said:
“As announced by the president in the State of the Nation Address, the SRD will be used as a basis for the introduction of a sustainable form of income support for unemployed people.
This spending is our commitment to the redistribution of income and opportunities in favour of the most vulnerable households in society.”
NOWinSA previously unpacked the full impact of the revised budget in Godongwana’s 2025 speech breakdown, while SASSA has reiterated continuity plans in this SRD extension update.
What Beneficiaries Must Do Now: Verify, Don’t Panic
The DSD and SASSA urge the public to ignore unverified posts and rely only on official channels:
- Verify Your Status: Use the five official ways to check and verify your SASSA status.
- Use Official Portals: All legitimate updates appear on the SASSA website, the DSD site, verified government social pages, and the SASSA SRD portal.
- Follow Verified Channels: Subscribe to the DSD WhatsApp channel for real-time government updates.
- Guard Against Scams: Be wary of messages requesting your details for “reinstatement” or payment changes. Only use official SASSA processes.
The department’s message is unequivocal:
“DSD strongly discourages the creation and circulation of fake news that causes unnecessary panic and distress among social grant beneficiaries.”
The SRD grant is not ending. While the system is being tightened to protect public funds, support for the country’s most vulnerable remains firmly in place.
Need Help
For accurate, verified updates about your grant, always use official government channels:
- 🌐 SASSA Official Portal: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
- 💬 DSD WhatsApp Channel: Send “Hi” to 082 046 8553 to subscribe for verified updates
- ☎️ SASSA Toll-Free Line: 0800 60 10 11
- 📧 Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
Beneficiaries are urged to avoid unverified social media posts and rely only on these official platforms for information about SRD and all other SASSA grants.
NOWinSA — Stories Shaping South Africa Today.
