Too often, unemployed youth are unfairly labelled as lazy. The reality is different. Many are eager to work but cannot afford the costs of searching for employment. Our youth face not only the challenge of finding jobs in a market with one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world, but they also struggle to make ends meet with the current SRD grant of R370.

This amount is simply insufficient. R370 cannot cover the essentials needed for young people to actively engage in the job market. It does not allow them to buy nutritious food, pay for transportation to job interviews, or even to print and certify CVs and supporting documents. How can we expect our youth to overcome the hurdles of unemployment when they're so inadequately equipped?

We propose an increase in the Special Relief of Distress (SRD) grant to R1,500 per month. Not only would this help young people to meet their basic needs, but it would also empower them to seek employment more effectively and with dignity.

Providing this financial support is an investment in South Africa's future. When youth are able to feed themselves properly, travel to potential job opportunities, and present themselves professionally, they have a better chance of securing employment. This change will reduce the burden on families, uplift communities, and contribute positively to our nation's economy.

We must restore dignity to our unemployed youth and provide them with the tools they need to succeed. By increasing the SRD grant, we invest in hope and action.

Join us in pushing for this much-needed change. Sign this petition to demand an increase in the SRD grant to R1,500 per month. Let's support our youth in becoming active contributors to our society.