South Africa’s ruling African National Congress, which is gearing up to contest elections later this year, said the extension of a monthly welfare grant is non-negotiable and the required funding must be allocated in the February budget.

The government first introduced a 350-rand ($19) temporary monthly stipend to cushion the vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic and has since extended it several times. In November, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said funds would be made available to ensure it continues until at least the end of March 2025, but he stopped short of committing to funding a permanent income grant.