SRD grant vs other social grants

In South Africa, social grants are a vital means of supporting vulnerable members of society who are unable to support themselves. One of the most significant social grants available in the country is the SRD grant. In this article, we will explore the SRD grant in comparison to other social grants available in South Africa.

The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is a temporary social assistance grant that was introduced by the South African government in response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant is intended to provide a safety net for unemployed individuals and those who are unable to work due to illness or disability. The SRD grant is paid out in monthly instalments of R350 and is available to South African citizens and permanent residents who are 18 years or older and who are not receiving any other form of social grant.

Compared to other social grants, the SRD grant is relatively new and has been met with mixed reviews. One of the main criticisms of the SRD grant is that the monthly payment amount of R350 is insufficient to cover basic living expenses, especially in a country where the cost of living is relatively high. Additionally, the SRD grant is only available for a limited period and does not provide a long-term solution to poverty.

On the other hand, other social grants in South Africa, such as the Child Support Grant (CSG) and the Old Age Grant (OAG), provide a more sustainable means of support for vulnerable individuals and families. The CSG is a monthly grant of R460 that is paid out to the primary caregiver of a child under the age of 18. The grant is intended to support the basic needs of the child, such as food, clothing, and education. The OAG, on the other hand, is a monthly grant of R1,900 that is paid out to individuals over the age of 60 who are not able to support themselves financially.

One of the key benefits of the CSG and OAG is that they provide a long-term solution to poverty. These grants are paid out monthly for as long as the beneficiary meets the eligibility criteria. Additionally, the grant amounts are higher than the SRD grant and provide a more substantial means of support for vulnerable individuals and families.

In conclusion, while the SRD grant provides a temporary safety net for individuals who are struggling financially, it is not a long-term solution to poverty. Other social grants, such as the CSG and OAG, provide more sustainable means of support and are better suited to addressing poverty in the long term. However, it is important to note that all social grants play a crucial role in supporting vulnerable members of society and reducing poverty in South Africa.

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.