COVID-19 Social and Economic Relief Fund
COVID-19 Social and Economic Relief Fund is a R500.0bn public fund announced by the Multiple departments — coordinated by COGTA under minister Various (Ramaphosa era cabinet). It is under investigation. R421.0bn (84.2%) has been disbursed, with R5.4bn flagged for recovery.
Announced
R500.0bn
Disbursed
R421.0bn
Undisbursed
R0
Flagged / recovered
R5.4bn
Beneficiaries reached: 0 of 0 targeted
President Ramaphosa announced a R500 billion COVID-19 relief package in April 2020 — the largest fiscal intervention in South African history. The Auditor-General subsequently found material irregularities of R2.4 billion in personal protective equipment procurement alone. The SIU investigated over 5,000 companies and referred 1,600+ cases for prosecution. R5.4 billion has been recovered but billions more remain outstanding. High-profile cases include Tembisa Hospital PPE fraud, Digital Vibes, and VBS-linked beneficiaries.
The key question
How much COVID relief money was stolen and how much has been recovered?
Official response
The SIU has referred cases valued at R49 billion to various authorities. As of 2025, R5.4 billion has been recovered through civil litigation and asset forfeiture.
Timeline — 5 tracked events
Ramaphosa announces R500bn COVID-19 relief package
President Ramaphosa announces South Africa's largest ever fiscal intervention — R500 billion including R130bn in tax relief, R200bn loan guarantee scheme, R50bn social relief, and R20bn for municipalities.
Presidency address to the nation →AGSA special report — R2.4bn in irregular PPE procurement
Auditor-General publishes special report finding R2.4 billion in material irregularities in PPE procurement. Finds that price gouging, politically connected suppliers, and poor controls led to systematic looting of emergency funds.
AGSA Special Report on COVID-19 →SIU Proclamation R23 — COVID investigations begin
President signs proclamation authorising SIU to investigate all COVID-19 related procurement. SIU ultimately investigates 5,467 companies and individuals. Digital Vibes matter (R150m to Zweli Mkhize's associates) becomes the highest profile case.
SIU media statement →SIU reports R49bn in COVID fraud referred for action
SIU presents to Parliament — cases worth R49 billion referred to prosecuting authorities, Special Tribunal, and disciplinary processes. Only R1.2bn recovered at this stage. Critics note prosecution pace is too slow.
SIU Parliamentary presentation June 2022 →R5.4bn total COVID funds recovered — SIU update
SIU cumulative recovery update confirms R5.4 billion recovered through Special Tribunal orders, civil litigation and asset forfeiture. 1,647 cases referred to NPA. 298 criminal cases before courts. Recovery rate remains below 15% of confirmed fraud.
SIU annual performance report 2023/24 →Sources
Other tracked funds
Figures are compiled from official Treasury, AGSA, SIU, SASSA and departmental sources cited in the timeline above. Last updated 1 January 2026. Disbursement figures reflect the most recent public reporting and may lag real-time spending.