Dr Munya Saruchera, the Director of the Africa Centre for Inclusive Health Management at Stellenbosch University, recently commended various organizations for their successful legal challenge leading to a landmark ruling on Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant regulations by the Pretoria High Court.
The court’s decision, which took place on January 24, 2025, found several SRD grant regulations unconstitutional. This included invalidating the online-only application requirement, acknowledging that it excluded individuals without internet access. The court also deemed the fixed income threshold of R624 per month and the grant’s value insufficient, ordering the government to progressively increase both to align with inflation and the cost of living. Additionally, the court emphasized the exclusion of gifts and one-time payments from income assessments to ensure that temporary financial assistance doesn’t disqualify applicants from receiving the grant.
The SRD grant, introduced in 2020 in response to the economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, has been a lifeline for millions. Beyond its immediate financial relief, the grant has played a crucial role in improving health outcomes. Studies have shown that beneficiaries reported an increase in the quantity and frequency of nutritious meals, reduced hunger, and improved mental well-being.
Universal health coverage (UHC) aims to ensure that all individuals have access to necessary health services without financial hardship. Social grants like the SRD play a pivotal role in advancing UHC by reducing barriers to care, promoting preventative health measures, and enhancing health equity for marginalized populations.
The court’s ruling mandates that the government amends the SRD grant regulations to be more inclusive and recognizes the broader impact of social assistance on public health. By aligning the grant’s value and eligibility criteria with inflation and living costs, and facilitating easier access through in-person applications, the government can enhance both social welfare and health outcomes.
The Africa Centre for Inclusive Health Management fully supports this decision, viewing it as a crucial step toward addressing the intertwined challenges of poverty and health. The organization emphasizes the importance of advocacy in shaping public policies that promote equity and social justice.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author, Dr Munya Saruchera, and do not reflect the views of Health-e News. Health-e News is committed to presenting diverse perspectives to enrich public discourse on health-related issues. The world of fashion is constantly evolving, with new trends and styles emerging every season. One trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years is sustainable fashion. This movement focuses on creating clothing and accessories in an environmentally and socially responsible way, ensuring that the production process has minimal impact on the planet.
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