As the Honourable Member is aware, the Department currently provides Social Relief of Distress, in the form of the Special COVID-19 SRD Grant, which covers those aged 18-59. The Department is of the view that the implementation of the Special COVID- 19 SRD Grant has provided a basis for the introduction of the Basic Income Grant. However, I must point out to the Honourable Member that this require an amendment of existing legislation.
Depending on costs and the fiscal position of the country, it may take a few years to progressively implement. Until then, the Department is however, currently motivating for the extension of the Special COVID-19 SRD Grant, preferably over the medium- term period. This should provide the much-needed income support to cushion against the economic hardship occasioned by the advent of COVID-19 pandemic for the 18- 59 years.