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Can the country afford a permanent R350 Social Relief of Distress? Anti-poverty activists and experts believe it is possible but not without “tax increases and higher economic growth.”

Treasury says 46 percent of South Africans receive a social grant from the government. According to eNCA, extending the R350 Social Relief of Distress would “cost the country R35-billion per year”.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday. In his address, Ramaphosa is expected to announce whether the Social Relief of Distress will be extended for another year or made permanent.

Meanwhile, in entertainment news, Pete Davidson has officially referred to Kim Kardashian as his “girlfriend”. In a recent interview with People magazine, Pete commented on how he handles fame. “I don’t have Instagram or Twitter or any of that stuff. So, most of my daily life is getting into cars and showing up to a set,” Pete said in the interview published on Monday, Feb. 7. “Or, if I’m off, I just either hang with my friends or chill with my girlfriend inside.”

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Ramaphosa expected to extend R350 grant – eNCA

Headline: Pete Davidson Officially Calls Kim Kardashian His “Girlfriend” – eNews

Headline: ‘Send money now’: SA stars do the ‘Tinder Swindler’ challenge – The South African

Headline: July unrest: ‘Factional battles in the ANC have become a serious source of instability’ – expert panel – News24 (for subscribers) 

Headline: Eskom says steps will be taken against some executives as it warns of more load shedding – News24

Headline: Radiopane brace helps Pirates rout Royal AM – Sowetan Live 

Headline: Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick warns players to settle disputes in private – The Independent 

Headline: Raised By Wolves! Series Filmed in Cape Town Gains More SA Cast Members! – Good Things Guy 

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