No grants will be cancelled without verification and due process, says Social Development Minister Tolashe
Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe stated that no social grants will be cancelled without proper verification and due process.
Delivering the department's Budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, Tolashe assured Parliament that the Department remains committed to ensuring grants reach only eligible recipients.
She noted that recent efforts to review beneficiaries are not about unfairly cutting people off, but about ensuring that only those eligible receive grants.
'We have not stopped or suspended any grant without due process. I wish to appeal to all beneficiaries who have received correspondence to visit SASSA offices and undergo a review process,' she said.
Tolashe emphasised that the grant system is a vital social safety net, supporting over 27 million beneficiaries, including 13 million children and more than 4 million older persons.
Of the department's R294 billion budget allocation, R284 billion will go directly to monthly social assistance, while SASSA receives R24.7 billion for grant administration over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework period.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
11 hours ago
- The South African
LATEST adjustments for SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025
It's all change for SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025. Just yesterday, Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe tabled her social welfare budget vote in Parliament for the 2025/26 financial year. And the impact of the agency's outlined cost-cutting commitments will surely be felt on SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025. Specifically, when it comes to beneficiary income verification and the fourth payment date added to the SASSA cycle. Here's what you need to know … All the latest on SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025, including the new fourth payment date for those under review. Image: File This week, South African Social Security Agency CEO Temba Matlou confirmed the introduction of a new fourth payment date for SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025. Interestingly, this pertains to SASSA recipients who have had their monthly grants withheld, pending income verification with the agency. Previously, SASSA had to provide beneficiaries three months' notice in writing before a grant review could take place. However, since above-inflation grant increases back in April 2025, the National Treasury has been on a mission to cut costs, reduce wastage and generally tighten its belt. Now those under review merely receive an SMS … The Social Development Minister presented her budget vote in Parliament this week. Image: File As such, the agency revealed that nearly a quarter of a million social welfare grants have been withheld since May 2025. However, SASSA insists that SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025 will not be suspended erroneously. In fact, beneficiaries under review have three months to come forward and prove their income and assets are above board before payment is suspended. However, the challenge SASSA finds using this new approach is that its offices/branches are now overwhelmed with people under review. Plus, SASSA admits that as many as 140 000 SMSes sent to clients were not delivered. This is because SASSA applications are often made on a friend/family members' phone. These numbers change and/or the clients move without updating SASSA. The elderly are being put under severe strain due to increasing electricity, grocery and general living costs. Image: File As The South African reported previously, if you are selected for review, you will be asked to bring a recent bank statement, work payslip and copy your ID (plus your child's ID if applicable). Moreover, if it is proven you over-stepped the income threshold, you can must pay back the money owed in full. SASSA can provide you a custom repayment system. Unfortunately, the 'lay-away option' for SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025 will accrue interest and end up costing more over the long term. The new fourth payment date – which typically will fall on the first Friday of each month – is for beneficiaries who have resolved their income review. Three repayment options include doing so in-person at any SASSA branch office. Making a bank transfer to a SASSA regional bank account. Or arranging a debit order that goes off each month through your bank. The DA has warned that no new alternative for SASSA clients with Postbank has been arranged after their contract ends in October 2025. Image: File Nevertheless, if your financial affairs are above board, you don't need to worry about your SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025 being reviewed. New applicants can follow the below list of requirements: You must be over 60 to qualify SASSA Old-Age Grants 2025. to qualify SASSA Old-Age Grants 2025. Bring an official RSA identity document (ID). Provide all documents proving your marital status. Supply a proof of residence (a utility bill with your name on it). Show all proof of income and/or financial dividends. Bring any information regarding assets, valuation of property. You must declare any private pension in your name. Provide a valid three months' statement certified by your bank (no older than three months'). Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership book, or discharge certificate from your previous employer. A copy of your will, and first and final liquidation and distribution accounts if your spouse has passed away in the last five years. We still wait to see if the National Treasury will announce another SASSA grant increase – as is typically the case – in October 2025. Image: File Crucial to securing SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025 is proving to the agency that you are sufficiently under privileged. Therefore, your assets and income cannot exceed the following: Earn less than R8 070 per month ( R96 840 per year) if single. per month ( per year) if single. Earn less than R16 140 per month ( R193 680 per year) if married. per month ( per year) if married. Total assets must not be less than R1 372 800 if single. if single. Total assets must be less than R2 745 600 if married. If you are denied access to SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025, note that you do have 90 days to lodge an appeal with the Department of Social Development (DSD) HERE. Be sure to diarise the remaining Older Person payment dates for the rest of 2025. Image: File Moreover, while it is a slightly longer gap to the pay date for SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025, thankfully the four-week cycle returns next month: AUGUST – Tuesday 5 August 2025 SEPTEMBER – Tuesday 2 September 2025 OCTOBER – Thursday 2 October 2025 NOVEMBER – Tuesday 4 November 2025 DECEMBER – Tuesday 2 December 2025 Those who have SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025 under review, can try these provincial contacts for urgent assistance: Toll-free number: 080 060 1011 WhatsApp number: +27 82 046 8553 Eastern Cape: 043 707 6300 Gauteng: 011 241 8320 Mpumalanga: 013 754 9446 Limpopo: 015 291 7509 North West: 018 388 4006 Free State: 051 410 8339 North West: 053 802 4919 KwaZulu-Natal: 033 846 3324 Western Cape: 021 469 0235 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Business & Finance Archives
By Grant Smee 16-07-25 18:34 Is property really how 90% of millionaires got rich? We unpack the myth and reveal what actually builds wealth in South Africa today. By Sundeeka Mungroo 16-07-25 15:07 Temu recently launched a new 'local warehouse' in South Africa, promising faster delivery for shoppers – but how does it actually work? By Pauline Torongo 16-07-25 14:20 Opening a ZAR account with a regulated forex broker is a smart move for South African traders who want to save on currency conversion costs and trade with peace of mind. By Ray Leathern 16-07-25 08:53 Ever-more aggressive debt collectors in South Africa are coming under scrutiny for their tactics. Here's what they're doing … By Ray Leathern 16-07-25 07:02 From next month – August 2025 – a fourth payment date for SASSA grants will be implanted by the agency. Here's why … By Garrin Lambley 15-07-25 15:25 Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, has called for G20 leaders to address climate action. By Ray Leathern 15-07-25 08:32 South African businesses urged to get on top of new, stricter BEE quotas that come into effect on 1 September 2025. Here's the latest … By Nokwanda Ncwane 15-07-25 07:34 Are you a taxpayer, and have you changed the contact details you used to register on the SARS system? Here's how you can update them. By Ray Leathern 15-07-25 07:02 Even though free basic electricity is available to the needy, illegal ghost tokens created by Eskom insiders are costing taxpayers billions. By Garrin Lambley 14-07-25 21:40 SASSA has reassured social grant beneficiaries that no payments have been suspended or halted due to the ongoing social grant review process. By Garrin Lambley 14-07-25 20:24 Over the next two days, the delegates will have sessions dedicated to the drafting of a communique. Here's more of what to expect. By Garrin Lambley 14-07-25 12:26 Maropene Ramokgopa will host the fourth G20 Development Working Group meeting and the G20 Ministerial meeting on development next week. By Sundeeka Mungroo 14-07-25 11:41 Takealot recently announced that it would be rolling out even more Pick n Pay delivery pickup points around South Africa this year. By Warren Hammond 14-07-25 09:19 Market volatility is rising in 2025. Discover key risks and smart strategies to protect your portfolio and stay ahead. By Ray Leathern 14-07-25 07:02 How bad is the driver's licence print backlog, that the Department of Transport must turn to Home Affairs for assistance? By Rob de Mezieres 13-07-25 07:06 You may not know who they are, but you've probably seen and loved the film and TV ads of producer David Feldman and director Keith Rose. By Megan van den Heever 12-07-25 16:12 The EFF have branded Elon Musk's internet satellite company, Starlink, a 'terrorist' organisation which poses a 'security threat' to SA. By Garrin Lambley 11-07-25 18:05 South Africa will host the second technical meeting of the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) next week. By Sundeeka Mungroo 11-07-25 10:48 South Africa's economy has been underperforming for over a decade now – but how does that translate to how poor South Africans actually are? By Garrin Lambley 11-07-25 08:47 The 2025 tax season kicked off on Monday, 7 July with auto-assessments notices having been sent to a number of South African taxpayers. By Dumani Moyo 11-07-25 08:34 Get the most out of your braai budget. Explore ways to save on your favorite braai foods and compare costs to keep your wallet happy. By Garrin Lambley 10-07-25 17:00 The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has advised taxpayers who disagree with their auto-assessments not to wait to take action. By Ray Leathern 10-07-25 08:33 In just four years, SA's National Traffic Information System (NATIS) has revolutionised online licencing. And there's more to come … By Ray Leathern 10-07-25 07:02 Public Protector warns SASSA beneficiaries still with Postbank that payment contracts will cease at the end of September … By Nick Pawson 09-07-25 18:47 Cape Town's creative community has an exciting new home in a historic part of the city – and it doesn't cost a cent to work there. By Garrin Lambley 09-07-25 16:58 It's comparatively 'easy' to make money – when you have money to start with. Compound interest is indeed the eighth wonder of the world! By Garrin Lambley 09-07-25 11:25 SA's National Treasury has been allocated R91.835 billion over the medium-term expenditure framework, with SARS receiving the lion's share. By Sundeeka Mungroo 09-07-25 11:00 Chinese e-commerce giant Temu has launched a new local warehouse in South Africa, promising great things for shoppers. By Garrin Lambley 09-07-25 10:59 South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, has extended the due date for EMP201 filing and payment for July. By Ray Leathern 09-07-25 09:43 Every municipality countrywide offers free electricity and water. And yet, recipients of these basic services are dropping. Here's why … By Ray Leathern 09-07-25 07:03 Agency CEO lashes out at reports that recent SASSA grant cancellations without review have been a punitive measure to reduce beneficiaries … By AFP 08-07-25 22:13 Donald Trump says the 1 August due date for US tariffs, on South Africa and other countries, is set in stone. By Bianca Lalbahadur 08-07-25 13:21 The Democratic Alliance leader says South Africa can cushion the 30% tariffs imposed by the US, by doing a few things… By Ray Leathern 08-07-25 07:02 With three quarters of a million blocked ID documents stuck in its verification system, Home Affairs was the site of hundreds of protesters … By Garrin Lambley 07-07-25 13:44 As tax payers eagerly awaited the start of the 2025 tax season on Monday, 7 July, they were plagued by endless online hassles. By Nokwanda Ncwane 07-07-25 11:24 As tax season officially opens on Monday, 7 July, some taxpayers have already received auto-assessments from SARS. What does this mean? By Ray Leathern 07-07-25 07:02 A Republican US Congressman is working night and day to sanction South Africa and cut all US diplomatic ties. Here's what he stands for … By Sundeeka Mungroo 04-07-25 15:21 ATMs in SA could soon become a thing of the past, with studies finding that big banks have reduced ATM numbers drastically over the years. By Ray Leathern 03-07-25 12:11 The SA Revenue Service is trialling key changes to auto-assessment in 2025, including invitations to provisional taxpayers … By Ray Leathern 03-07-25 09:32 With D-day for the South African economy looming, it's understood that BEE and land expropriation remain sticking points to progress … By Garrin Lambley 02-07-25 14:11 Following several challenging years, state-owned airline, South African Airways (SAA), is now in a position to contribute economic value. By Ray Leathern 02-07-25 10:02 On the surface, the Citroen C3 1.2T Max may lack the joie de vivre we expect from the French, but it's still a clever compact crossover … By Ray Leathern 02-07-25 08:32 A R60-billion class-action lawsuit by more than 100 000 former homeowners hopes to take down South Africa's 'big-four' banks … By Ray Leathern 02-07-25 07:03 Elderly residents are urged to take advantage of Free Basic Electricity schemes across the country. Here's how it works … By Nick Pawson 01-07-25 14:44 A new campaign led by South African citrus growers aims to reposition grapefruit as a vibrant summer fruit. By Bianca Lalbahadur 01-07-25 12:50 The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has released the official fuel price adjustments for July 2025. By Pauline Torongo 01-07-25 12:42 Javier Hidalgo strengthens his international leadership profile as new opportunities emerge in Africa, particularly in Botswana. By AFP 01-07-25 11:54 Donald Trump says without American subsidies for Elon Musk's businesses, the Pretoria-born tech mogul would have to 'head back home'. By Ray Leathern 01-07-25 07:02 SASSA Old-Age Grants in July 2025 will be disbursed this week, but there's been upheaval behind agency doors … By Garrin Lambley 30-06-25 13:27 Cape Town-born Reg Bamford was crowned British GC Open Championship for an astounding 13th time on Sunday. By Nick Pawson 28-06-25 21:01 The City of Cape Town recently gave the green light to a set of new informal trading plans in key areas around the metro. By Garrin Lambley 28-06-25 11:05 The latest Henley & Partners Wealth Migration report shows that South Africa continues to be a net loser of high net worth individuals. By Ray Leathern 28-06-25 07:02 Since May 2025, thousands of grant recipients who broke the SASSA income threshold have come face to face with some harsh consequences … By Garrin Lambley 27-06-25 13:07 For the first time ever, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) will trial auto-assessments for a select group of provisional taxpayers. By Dumani Moyo 27-06-25 08:07 Find out where to score the cheapest groceries this weekend as we compare prices at Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, and Woolworths. By Ray Leathern 27-06-25 07:02 Anyone hoping to access real-time Home Affairs verification technology is in for a rude awakening from next month onwards … By Garrin Lambley 26-06-25 14:44 South Africa's G20 Presidency convened its third Sherpa meeting this week, focusing on a number of critical global challenges. By Garrin Lambley 26-06-25 13:24 South Africa has achieved its first back-to-back primary budget surplus in 16 years, signalling its commitment to fiscal discipline. By Garrin Lambley 26-06-25 10:19 Nearly 4 million pension fund withdrawals totalling R57 billion have been made under SA's two-pot retirement system since its introduction. By Ray Leathern 26-06-25 09:09 SASSA beneficiaries turn an outreach programme meeting into an outlet to air a long list of grievances they have with agency officials … By Ray Leathern 26-06-25 07:02 With 6 800 litres of stowage capacity, the all-new Ford Tourneo Trend LWB Bus is the practical choice in any situation … By Ramadhani Kusaga 25-06-25 10:45 Watch the full version of the 'South Africans are becoming addicted to sports betting' in a minute. By Ray Leathern 25-06-25 09:16 Latest report finds sports betting is starting to overtake the National Lottery for popularity in the R64-billion industry … By Ray Leathern 25-06-25 07:02 Unless urgent interventions take place, South Africa is two weeks' away from living the Trump tariff disaster … By Garrin Lambley 24-06-25 09:49 The latest official data confirms that with one week to go, bad news almost certainly lies ahead for South Africa's motorists. By Ray Leathern 24-06-25 08:56 The Department of Home Affairs is betting big on digital IDs, wallets and e-passports. Here's when they'll supposedly be up and running … By AFP 24-06-25 08:42 Treasury has not specified which projects the World Bank loan will fund, but says the financing plan includes an interest grace period. By Ray Leathern 24-06-25 07:02 An SA F1 GP deal could be clinched this weekend in Austria, as Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie and other officials jet off to Europe … By Garrin Lambley 23-06-25 14:43 SARS has announced the rollout of a new 'Express Access' feature on its eFiling platform ahead of the 2025 tax season. By Garrin Lambley 23-06-25 11:58 It's comparatively 'easy' to make money – when you have money to start with. Compound interest is indeed the eighth wonder of the world! By Garrin Lambley 23-06-25 11:32 The latest official data confirms that bad news almost certainly lies ahead for South Africa's motorists in early July 2025. By Garrin Lambley 23-06-25 10:38 The South African Post Office has unveiled a five-year plan to reinvent itself as a major player in the courier and delivery market. By Ray Leathern 23-06-25 09:08 Sale of loose cigarettes to be banned under the new Tobacco Bill, with informal traders facing hefty fines if caught … By Ray Leathern 22-06-25 07:02 Finally sold in South Africa with a turbo petrol engine, we drive the brilliant Jeep Wrangler Sahara. Can we get an Oorah!? By Ray Leathern 21-06-25 19:02 Here are the seven safest family cars for child occupancy available on the SA used market. Spoiler alert, bigger isn't necessarily better … By Jenna Solomon 21-06-25 15:41 Youth Month highlights the pervasive unemployment issue, but what about the voices of young South Africans with intellectual disability? By Shyleen Choruma 21-06-25 10:23 Researchers uncovered a leak of 16 billion passwords, raising risks of identity theft, phishing, and account takeovers. By Ray Leathern 21-06-25 07:02 The new CEO of SASSA and the National Treasury are at loggerheads already over social grant reviews and verification processes … By Phumlani S Langa 20-06-25 17:09 Nomzamo Mbatha will host with Global Citizen NOW Summit in Sevilla, Spain. Worldwide financial reform will be foregrounded at the summit. By Garrin Lambley 20-06-25 12:48 Deputy President Paul Mashatile has highlighted SA's role as the current chair of the G20 and its commitment to addressing global challenges. By Garrin Lambley 20-06-25 10:42 The latest official data confirms that bad news lies ahead for South Africa's motorists in July 2025, especially for diesel vehicle owners. By Garrin Lambley 20-06-25 10:03 MTN Group is under fire from shareholders after nearly R249 million was paid to its executives and board members during 2024. By Warren Hammond 19-06-25 14:46 Geopolitical violence is escalating fast; June and July 2025 are shaping up to be dangerously volatile months. By Garrin Lambley 19-06-25 12:51 The latest official data suggests that bad news lies ahead for South Africa's motorists in July 2025, especially for diesel vehicle owners. By Fazila Olla-Logday 19-06-25 11:13 As online trading gains momentum across Africa, traders are increasingly seeking reliable brokers that cater to the continent's unique financial landscape. By Ray Leathern 19-06-25 09:29 Financial experts reveal that the South African economy has lost R5 trillion over the last 15 years. Here's why … By Garrin Lambley 18-06-25 12:40 The latest official data now suggests that bad news lies ahead for South Africa's motorists in July 2025. Here's how bad it is … By Ray Leathern 18-06-25 09:49 Government officials and trade unions want to intervene after yet another major factory closure was announced for South Africa … By Ray Leathern 18-06-25 08:10 There are growing calls for government to suspend driver's licence fines in 2025 until the growing printing backlog is cleared … By Gordon Glyn-Jones 17-06-25 16:57 From Soweto exile to the United Nations, Kingsley Mamabolo reflects on resistance, reconciliation and the path to a truly free Africa. His story is now published as a hardcover called: Let Not The Sun Set On You By Garrin Lambley 17-06-25 13:45 The mid-month official data now suggests that bad news lies ahead for South Africa's motorists in July 2025. By Pauline Torongo 17-06-25 13:39 By expanding its FSCA-regulated offering with the inclusion of Crypto, PrimeXBT is one of the first brokers in the region to truly bridge the gap between traditional and digital markets. By Gordon Glyn-Jones 17-06-25 11:31 Theatre director Greg Karvellas reflects on his time at The Fugard, the challenges of storytelling today, and why his latest production of 'Moffie' matters now more than ever. By Ray Leathern 17-06-25 09:21 The CEOs of South Africa's network providers came under fire in Parliament for sub-standard service delivery to the poor … By Ray Leathern 17-06-25 07:39 Lesotho textile factories face widespread redundancies with looming 50% trade tariffs. And there's a knock-on effect for South Africa … By Garrin Lambley 16-06-25 12:41 South Africa-born Elon Musk is comfortably the richest man in the world – even after his recent remarks on X saw his Tesla shares plummet. By Sundeeka Mungroo 15-06-25 17:30 Some CEOs of South Africa's top State-owned enterprises (SOEs) are raking in a whopping R15.5 million a year. By Garrin Lambley 15-06-25 09:22 Woolworths CEO Roy Bagattini has come under renewed scrutiny after selling 700 000 shares in the company, netting more than R38.4 million. By Garrin Lambley 15-06-25 09:09 MultiChoice has reported a major slump in its subscriber base, losing 2.3 million active DStv customers over the past year.
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Services brought closer to Ward 29
The Batho-Pele Outreach Programme is aimed at bringing government services closer to the people of Ward 29. Thomas Mashabela, municipal spokesperson, said the initiative sought to promote transparency and responsive leadership. Municipal leaders, officials, stakeholders and representatives from the departments of Home Affairs, Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and Statistics South Africa formed part of the event. Mashabela stated that the presence of government departments, SASSA and Stats SA aimed to ensure that residents have direct access to information and support. The residents were provided a platform to interact with Mayor Mahlase on service delivery issues that affect them daily. Responding to the persistent challenge of illegal dumping, Mahlase outlined plans for a refuse collection payment system designed to improve cleanliness, generate revenue and create local jobs. Mahlase highlighted that while the roll-out of the initiative might take time, the municipality remains committed to sustainable service delivery among communities. She called on residents to safeguard public infrastructure and use peaceful means to register their frustrations over service delivery, urging that community assets need to be protected for the improvement of lives. Mahlase lauded the community for their massive participation in the programme, 'The municipality remains open and committed to listening and responding. Together, we will build, protect, and progress,' remarked Mahlase. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
