South African president Cyril Ramaphosa extends time for the release of R350 special Covid-19 relief grant and the UIF Ters payment scheme

South African president Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the time for the R350 special Covid-19 relief grant and the UIF Ters payment scheme.

The president today while speaking during the 2021 SONA said that the extension of the special Covid-19 grant, which ended at the end of January, will be for three months.

Mr President said as the country looks forward to rebuilding the economy it is important that those most affected by the economic impact should be supported.

“As we rebuild our economy in the midst of a pandemic, it is necessary that we continue – within our means – to provide support to those businesses and individuals that continue to be most affected. Businesses in several sectors are still struggling and many families continue to suffer as the job market slowly recovers,” he said.

“This (Covid-19 special grant) has proven to be an effective and efficient short-term measure to reduce the immediate impact on the livelihoods of poor South Africans. The conditions of this extension and the sectors to be included will be announced after consultations with social partners at Nedlac,” Ramaphosa said.

The president said the National Treasury was also in talks to “improve to the loan guarantee scheme so that it better addresses the realities of SMMEs and other businesses as they strive to recover.