The South African government has implemented a number of measures to support businesses and individuals who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. One such measure is the Special Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which is a cash grant aimed at providing temporary relief to vulnerable individuals who have lost their source of income due to the pandemic.
The SRD grant was initially introduced in 2020 and was intended to run for six months. However, due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the country’s economy, the government has extended the grant several times. The latest extension was announced in March 2021, and the grant is now set to run until April 2024.
The SRD grant provides eligible individuals with a monthly payment of R350. To qualify for the grant, applicants must be unemployed, not receiving any other form of government assistance, and be in need of financial relief due to the impact of the pandemic. The grant is also available to individuals who are self-employed or informal workers who have lost their source of income due to the pandemic.
If you have applied for the Special Relief of Distress (SRD) grant in South Africa and would like to check the status of your application, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) website at https://srd.sassa.gov.za.
- Click on the “Check Status” button on the home page.
- Enter your ID number and the cellphone number that you provided when you applied for the grant.
- Click on the “Submit” button.
- Your application status will be displayed on the screen. The status may show as “pending,” “approved,” or “rejected.”
If your application status is “pending,” it means that your application is still being processed and you will need to wait for further updates from SASSA. If your application is “approved,” it means that you have been successful in your application and will receive the grant payment. If your application is “rejected,” it means that you did not meet the eligibility criteria for the grant.
If you are unable to check your application status online, you can contact the SASSA call center on 0800 60 10 11 for assistance. It is important to have your ID number and cellphone number ready when you call.
To apply for the SRD grant, individuals must submit an application through the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) website or by visiting a SASSA office in person. The application process involves providing personal information and documentation to prove eligibility, such as a South African identity document and proof of income.
The SRD grant has been an important lifeline for many vulnerable individuals in South Africa, particularly those who have lost their jobs or income due to the pandemic. However, there have been some challenges with the implementation of the grant. One of the main issues has been delays in the processing of applications, which has left many applicants waiting for weeks or even months to receive their payments.
Another challenge has been the eligibility criteria for the grant, which some critics have argued is too narrow. For example, the grant is not available to individuals who receive any other form of government assistance, such as unemployment insurance or disability grants. This has left some vulnerable individuals without any form of support.
Despite these challenges, the SRD grant has been an important source of relief for many individuals in South Africa. It has helped to alleviate some of the financial pressures caused by the pandemic and has provided a safety net for those who have been most affected by the economic fallout.
In conclusion, the SRD grant remains an important part of the South African government’s efforts to support vulnerable individuals during the pandemic. While there have been some challenges with the implementation of the grant, it has provided much-needed financial relief to those who have been most impacted by the pandemic.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.