SASSA SRD grant R350 grant

Photo: SASSA / Twitter

LOOK: This graph on R350 grants exposes a ‘devastating truth’ about SA

We apologise in advance, because this graph from SASSA does not make for an easy read. Here’s what the R350 grants data is telling us.

SASSA SRD grant R350 grant

Photo: SASSA / Twitter

SASSA has released a fascinating set of data for us on Friday, revealing which age groups have been filing the most claims for the recently reintroduced R350 grants. The popular payment is back to provide a financial safety net for millions of unemployed South Africans – but this graph shows us everything that’s wrong with our beloved country.

How many people have claimed the R350 grants?

In producing this data, SASSA has charted applicants by their age groups. Over 5.3 million people have already staked their claim for these R350 grants, and by the end of August, successful recipients will be paid accordingly.

The SRD handout will run until March 2022. It was expected that a Basic Income Grant would eventually replace this support system, but the new Finance Minister (Enoch Godongwana) isn’t a big fan of these proposals. He’d rather upskill the unemployed youth, using the money set aside for income grants to provide practical training.

Well, whatever the decision, it’s young adults who need prioritising – as you can see here…

Stark figures highlight youth unemployment crisis

Those aged between 20 – 24 made up the highest number of applicants by age group, registering 1.14 million claims in the last week or so. The next highest number comes from the 25 – 29 cohort, who also topped the one-million mark. In fact, if we include eligible teenagers, the sum total of applicants aged under 30 reaches 2.568 million.

That’s very nearly HALF of all potential beneficiaries so fall, highlighting the drastic and terrible work situation for our youngsters. Those aged 15-24 are confronted by a grim unemployment rate of 74%, as the twin threat of COVID-19 and further economic lockdowns have all but crippled the jobs market.

Whether it’s through R350 grants, Basic Income Grants, or proposed training programmes, our youngest workers are in desperate need of intervention – and these numbers should set alarm bells ringing in government.