South African Court Hears Appeal Over Digital Social Grants
South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal heard the government's appeal of a January 2025 High Court ruling invalidating several rules for the Social Relief of Distress grant. The lower court found an online-only application requirement unfairly excluded vulnerable applicants; the appeal raises access and fairness issues in digitally administered public benefits. Judgment was reserved.
PARADIGM INSIGHTS:
A digital application that excludes the person it serves is not an efficient public service. Benefits systems need an accessible way to apply, correct a record and challenge a refusal, including for people who cannot use the online route. South Africa's appeal remains undecided; the live issue is whether access and review survive digitization, not which side has finally won.
Sign up for Paradigm alerts.
Join the Paradigm Insights list for future case alerts and selected firm updates.