In October 2024, SASSA grants will see small increases for the Older Persons Grant, Disability, War Veterans, and Childcare Dependency Grants, while Child Support and Foster Care grants will stay the same. Many people are worried, as these unchanged grants struggle to keep up with rising costs of living. The slight increases might help a little, but they are not enough for families facing tough times. Personal stories, like that of Thandi raising her grandchildren and John, a war veteran, show the real struggle behind these numbers, highlighting the urgent need for more support.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is set to receive a R50 billion funding boost from the country’s treasury, which will significantly increase the payout for SASSA beneficiaries. The funding infusion also has the potential to turn the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant into a Universal Basic Income Grant (BIG) by 2026, which could dramatically transform the country’s social welfare system. The 2024 Appropriation Bill has been approved by the National Assembly, providing access to funds from the National Revenue Fund from 2025 onwards, with the proposed increase in spending on social welfare expected to surge from R283 billion to R331 billion by 2026.
Sisisi Tolashe is the new Minister of Social Development in South Africa, tasked with overseeing the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grants and the Department of Social Development (DSD). She faces significant challenges, including streamlining the payment method for SASSA grants and potentially rolling out a Basic Income Grant in the future. With her political and public service experience, Tolashe and her deputy, Ganief Hendricks, offer a beacon of hope for South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens, despite the daunting tasks that lie ahead.
South Africa’s NHI Bill has been approved by the president and aims to offer universal quality healthcare to all citizens by consolidating resources from taxpayers. The bill promises to enroll all South Africans, including pensioners, in a unified funding system by 2024, ensuring extensive healthcare coverage. However, concerns have been raised about the potential pressure on government finances and the sustainability of SASSA grants. The execution of the bill is fraught with uncertainties, but if successful, it could bring a favorable transformation to the SASSA grants and alleviate financial strain on the country’s most vulnerable citizens.