SA-TIED Seminar Series: Proposal for the extension, redesign, and repurposing of the SRD grant, with a focus on poverty and unemployment reduction.

Join us for a session of the SA-TIED Seminar Series focusing on the topic of the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. Led by Maya Goldman and Brynde Kreft, this seminar will address their Working Paper titled 'Proposal for the extension, redesign, and repurposing of the SRD grant, with a focus on poverty and unemployment reduction.' During this session, Goldman and Kreft will examine the impact of the SRD grant in reducing poverty and promoting job search efforts in South Africa.

Overview

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of social welfare policies in offering support to vulnerable populations globally. Originating in South Africa, the SRD grant has proven to be a valuable instrument in combating poverty and unemployment. With ongoing research focused on proposals to maximize effectiveness while ensuring fiscal responsibility, the SA-TIED seminar will examine a Working Paper that investigates how the grant can effectively reach those most in need and remain feasible.

Key discussion points:

• Impact of the SRD grant: Insights into how the SRD grant has reduced poverty and promoted job search efforts, leading to transformative outcomes for millions of South Africans
• Policy recommendations: Proposed strategies for enhancing the SRD grant to ensure its continued effectiveness in addressing the twin goals of poverty alleviation and unemployment reduction.
• Budget allocation and eligibility criteria: The implications of budget allocation decisions and eligibility criteria on the reach and impact of the SRD grant.
• International lessons: South Africa's experiences with the SRD grant and how similar initiatives can be adapted and implemented in other countries to address socio-economic challenges effectively.

This seminar is ideal for policymakers, researchers, practitioners, academics and anyone interested in social welfare and economic development on both a national and international scale.

Register here to join the seminar.