19 October 2021
Media Advisory
The Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu, will on Thursday, 21 October 2021 officially launch the report entitled “The Rapid Assessment of the Implementation and Utilisation of the Special Covid-19 SRD Grant”.
The Special Covid-19 SRD Grant was first introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in April 2020 as part of the Government’s R500 billion stimulus package to control and mitigate the negative socio-economic impact of the pandemic in South Africa. The SRD Grant was targeted mainly at those aged 18-59 years without any source of income support and those facing undue hardships due to unemployment, loss of jobs and livelihoods.
Of over 9 million applications received, the grant reached over 6 million eligible applicants for indirect income support transfers. The findings of the study, which the Minister will launch virtually, will amongst others, highlight the impact of the grant in cushioning the most vulnerable against the negative impact of the pandemic and how some beneficiaries used the grant to start successful income-generating initiatives.
As part of the DSD Month activities, Minister Zulu and MEC Vilakazi will embark on anti-human trafficking and gender-based violence campaign in Upington, Northern Cape. The area which lies alongside the N14 is regarded as a source and transit point for human trafficking syndicates as it connects the Northern Cape to the Eastern Cape, Free State and Western Cape.
The two most common forms of human trafficking are forced labour and sex trafficking that disproportionately affect women and girls. This is also indicative of the intersection between human trafficking and gender-based violence. As is often the case, perpetrators of human trafficking prey on the poor and vulnerable from impoverished communities under false pretences of lucrative job offers and opportunities to travel the world.
The aim of the campaign is to create public awareness about human trafficking in Upington and surrounding areas. This will be done in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies such as the SAPS, the HAWKS and the Commission on Gender Equality.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the programmes planned as follows:
Webinar on the launch of the report on the Special COVID-19 SRD Grant:
Date: Thursday, 21 October 2021
Time: 09h00
Venue: Online
YouTube: https://youtu.be/LvyPsihDmmA
Facebook:https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4391991560882701&id=39023200105 8697
Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_DSD
Anti-human trafficking and GBV Campaign
Date: Thursday, 21 October 2021
Time: 07h00 - 09h00
10 km Walk Against Human Trafficking and GBVF
Time: 07h00 - 09h00
Venue: Paballelo Water Tank/Dam- Michael Bongela Community Hall
Roadblock
Date: Thursday, 21 October 2021
Time: 09h30 -10h30
Venue: N14 between Upington and Keimoes
Visit to the local victim-friendly facility at the local Police Station
Date: Thursday, 21 October 2021
Time: 11h00 - 11h30
Visit to Marcus Mbetha Secure Care Centre
Date: Thursday, 21 October 2021
Time: 12h00 -12h30
Venue: 65 Toermalyn Str, Bellvue, Upington
Public Participation Programme
Date: Friday, 22 October 2021
Time: 09h00-11h00
Venue: Michael Bongela Community Hall, Paballelo
Members of the media may RSVP by contacting Ms Nomfundo Xulu-Lentsoane on 066 480 6845 / e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Ms Sharlene Naiker on 082 673 5849 / e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Lumka Oliphant on 083 484 8067 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
