The Department of Social Development has issued a clear reassurance to South Africans who depend on the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant, following a surge of misleading claims circulating on social media that suggest the grant is about to come to an end.
Key Takeaways
- SRD Grant Remains Active: The Department of Social Development has confirmed that there is no decision or process underway to terminate the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant, despite claims circulating on social media.
- Misinformation Poses Real Risks: False videos and graphics are causing unnecessary panic among vulnerable beneficiaries, highlighting the growing impact of online misinformation on public trust and social stability.
- Use Only Official Sources: Beneficiaries are urged to rely exclusively on verified government platforms such as DSD, SASSA and NDA channels for accurate and up-to-date information on social grants.
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False Claims Spark Concern Among Beneficiaries
In recent days, a number of videos, images and social media posts have spread widely, alleging that the SRD grant will soon be discontinued. These claims have caused anxiety among beneficiaries who rely on the monthly support to meet basic needs.
The Department of Social Development has firmly dismissed these allegations, explaining that they are entirely untrue and are not supported by any official government decision or policy direction. The department confirmed that there has been no announcement, instruction or internal process initiated to terminate the SRD grant.
Any change to the status of a national social grant would require a formal government process and public communication through official channels.
Government Clarifies Status of the SRD Grant
The department emphasised that the SRD grant remains in place and continues to be administered as normal. Officials explained that no changes to the grant have been approved or communicated through legitimate government channels, and beneficiaries should not assume that social media speculation reflects official policy.
Impact of Misinformation on Vulnerable Communities
According to the department, the spread of inaccurate information has the potential to create unnecessary panic, particularly among vulnerable individuals and households that depend on social assistance. The department warned that such misinformation can undermine public trust and cause distress to people who already face economic hardship.
Officials highlighted that misleading content often appears convincing, especially when presented in video format or accompanied by official-looking graphics, making it more likely to be shared without verification.
Warning Against Illegal Use of Government Branding
The Department of Social Development also raised serious concerns about the unauthorised use of official government branding in some of the misleading material. This includes the unlawful use of the department’s logo and images of the Minister, which can falsely suggest that the content originates from a legitimate source.
The department explained that the use of official imagery and branding without permission is unlawful and constitutes a misrepresentation of government communication. Such actions are not only misleading but also contribute to the deliberate spread of false information, which can have harmful social consequences.
Public Urged to Rely on Verified Sources
Members of the public have been strongly encouraged to ignore unverified videos, posts and graphics shared on social media platforms. The department advised beneficiaries to seek information only from official and trusted government communication channels when looking for updates on social grants.
Checking multiple official sources before sharing information is one of the most effective ways to limit the spread of fake news.
Where to Find Accurate Information
Official updates on social grants are published through the Department of Social Development’s website, as well as through platforms managed by the South African Social Security Agency and the National Development Agency. Verified government social media accounts and the official DSD WhatsApp Channel are also used to share accurate and timely information.
Call to Stop the Spread of Fake News
The department reiterated its strong opposition to the creation and circulation of fake news, particularly when it affects essential social support programmes. It warned that spreading false information about grants can cause unnecessary fear and confusion among beneficiaries and disrupt public confidence in government services.
The Department of Social Development reaffirmed its commitment to transparent communication and urged South Africans to verify information before sharing it, especially when it concerns critical social assistance such as the COVID-19 SRD grant.
Conclusion
The Department of Social Development’s response underscores the importance of accurate and responsible communication when it comes to critical social support programmes. While false reports about the COVID-19 SRD grant have created anxiety among beneficiaries, the department has made it clear that the grant remains in place and continues to be administered as normal. The situation highlights the growing challenge posed by misinformation in the digital age and reinforces the need for the public to verify information through official government channels, particularly when it affects vulnerable communities that rely on social assistance for their day-to-day survival.
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