More Than 60% Of R350 Grant Applicants Are Youth

By Pelumi Emmanuel

Published: July 29, 2022 | 7:33 PM GMT

In a statement on Friday, July 29, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) disclosed that more than half of the COVID-19 social relief of distress (SRD) grant applicants are young individuals.

According to SASSA, young people make up about 60% of R350 grant applicants. The youth in South Africa are persons between the ages of 15 and 34. Despite the fact that only 5% of SASSA R350 grant candidates have a tertiary degree

“This correlates with the unemployment rate amongst youth which is approximately 63%,” said the agency.

“The high rate of unemployment amongst youth is a great cause for concern and the agency remains committed to playing its part in fighting the scourge of unemployment.”

According to SASSA, 4 088 873 of the 5 298 817 approved R350 award candidates have already received their money as of July 19.

The Department of Social Development, which oversees SASSA, put up changes to the rules governing grant payment earlier in July.

After President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the grant’s renewal until March 2023, it was shifted to a new regulatory framework, and as a result, millions of people who had previously received the grant are no longer eligible for it.

About Pelumi Emmanuel

Pelumi Emmanuel is an accomplished writer and journalist with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He is a passionate and dedicated professional who is committed to producing high-quality content that informs, engages, and entertains readers. Pelumi’s love for reading and writing is evident in his work, which has been read worldwide and has garnered him a loyal following. His journalistic expertise is matched only by his natural talent for storytelling, making his articles both informative and engaging. He lives in California, USA.