For Employees

Your employer has joined
SmartCommute™.

This means you could receive a fixed monthly payment of R550 to R600 to help with sustained 2026 cost-of-living pressure. Here is everything you need to know — in plain language.

What is SmartCommute™?

SmartCommute™ is a social welfare programme run by Community Development Initiatives International (CDII) — a registered non-profit organisation and Public Benefit Organisation (PBO 930 041 456). It was created to help employees cope with sustained 2026 cost-of-living pressure, including the rising cost of getting to work.

Your employer is participating in the programme for the period 1 August 2026 to 31 October 2026, which may be extended at your employer's discretion.

What will I receive?

A fixed monthly Social Ex Gratia Payment of R550, R575, or R600 — the exact amount depends on which Band your monthly salary falls into (Band A, B, or C), as determined by CDII.

• Paid into your bank account separately from your salary
• At least 5 business days before your normal salary date
• Clearly labelled "Social Ex Gratia Payment" on your bank statement and payslip
• For 3 months: August, September, and October 2026

What tax applies?

The payment is subject to PAYE (income tax) — just like your salary, but on a separate payslip line. It will appear on your IRP5 at year end under Code 3601. UIF and SDL do not apply to this payment.

Below the tax threshold? If you earn below R99,000 per year, you are likely below the tax threshold — meaning no PAYE will be deducted on this payment. Your employer's payroll team can confirm this.

Can I apply to pay less tax on this payment?

If you earn above R99,000 per year, you have the right to apply to SARS for a reduced or nil PAYE withholding rate on this payment — using a form called the IRP3(c). This is a hardship directive under the Income Tax Act (paragraph 11 of the Fourth Schedule). It is entirely your choice — SARS is not obliged to grant it — but if SARS grants it, your employer must apply it. Contact us for more information.

What do I need to do?

1
Complete your Employee Acceptance Form
Your HR department will give you the form. Read it carefully, complete it accurately, and sign it before the first payment.
2
Keep a copy
Retain a copy of your signed Employee Acceptance Form for your own records.
3
Confirm your bank details
Ensure your bank account details on your payroll record are current and correct.
4
Nothing more required
CDII and your employer handle everything else. Payments will arrive automatically each month during the programme period.

Important things to know.

This payment does not change your contract. The Social Ex Gratia Payment is not a change to your salary or employment contract. It does not create an ongoing right to receive this payment. The programme runs through 31 October 2026; any extension beyond that is entirely at your employer's discretion and requires a fresh, documented decision each time — no action is needed from you either way.

Your personal data is handled in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). CDII is a registered Responsible Party (IR Reg. 2025-008244). Employee participant lists use employee reference numbers only — your name and ID number are not transmitted to CDII unless you separately provide them in writing.

Questions?

Speak to your HR department first — they have the full programme documentation. For questions about the SmartCommute™ programme itself, contact CDII directly:

Adv. Don Leffler — Programme Director
don@wemindfoundation.co.za · +27 72 7113 277

Louw Allan — Information Officer
information.officer@wemindfoundation.co.za · +27 83 399 9911