The COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant – also known as the R350 grant – is expected to be extended to the end of March 2024. This as government continues to consider options for a replacement for the grant with no decision taken yet on how the replacement will be financed. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the extension of the grant during his presentation of the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon. “The SRD grant was introduced in May 2020 as a temporary measure to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable, who were affected by [COVID-19 induced] lockdown measures. It has been extended several times since then. Discussions on the future of the grant are ongoing and involve very difficult trade-offs and financing decisions,” he said. As a result of the extension of the SRD grants, other social grants – such as old age grants and disability grants – will increase lower than inflation. According to Treasury, the SRD grant is ex
There are several types of funding available for higher education in South Africa:
1. National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS): This is a government-funded scheme that provides financial assistance to academically deserving students who come from poor and working-class families. NSFAS funding covers tuition fees, accommodation, food, textbooks, and other study-related expenses.
2. Bursaries and scholarships: Many private companies, foundations, and organizations offer bursaries and scholarships to students who meet specific criteria such as academic performance, financial need, and field of study.
3. Student loans: Banks and financial institutions offer student loans to cover the cost of tuition fees and living expenses. The loans are usually payable after graduation.
4. Government grants: The South African government provides grants to institutions of higher learning to support research and development initiatives.
5. Employer sponsorship: Some employers offer financial support to employees who wish to pursue further studies that are relevant to their job.
6. Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding platforms are becoming increasingly popular in South Africa as a means of funding higher education. Students can create a crowdfunding campaign and ask for donations from individuals or organizations.
7. Tuition fee waivers: Some universities and colleges offer tuition fee waivers to students who are unable to afford the full cost of tuition fees. The waivers may cover a portion or the entire tuition fee.
8. Work-study programs: Some universities and colleges offer work-study programs that allow students to work part-time on campus while studying. The income earned from the job can be used to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
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