SASSA puts concerns to rest: Grants continue throughout review period
SASSA confirmed that while some grants may experience momentary delays during the review process, this does not amount to a suspension. The review aims to confirm eligibility, prevent fraudulent claims, and ensure public funds are used responsibly.
'This review is not a punitive measure to deliberately exclude any deserving beneficiary,' said SASSA CEO Themba Matlou. 'It is intended to ensure continued eligibility and prevent misuse of public funds.'
Why the review is happening
The review process helps SASSA:
Confirm changes in beneficiaries' financial, medical, or legal circumstances.
Prevent grants from being paid to deceased individuals or those who have relocated without updating records.
Detect cases where individuals receive grants while appearing on other payroll systems.
Matlou reminded beneficiaries of their legal obligation to disclose all sources of income during their initial application and to report any changes in financial circumstances. Failure to do so may lead to corrective action.
What affected beneficiaries should do
Beneficiaries affected by the review process are urged to visit their nearest SASSA office with the following documents:
Valid SA ID (green barcoded ID or smart ID card).
Proof of income (e.g., payslips, pension slips, or affidavits if unemployed).
Bank statements for the last three months for all active accounts.
Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill).
Medical referral report (if applicable).
Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable).
Death certificate (if applicable).
Relevant documents for the grant type (e.g., birth certificates for Child Support Grants).
If a beneficiary is bedridden, a procurator can be appointed to represent them. Contact your local SASSA office for assistance in appointing one.
SASSA has urged beneficiaries to comply with review requests promptly. Failing to respond to official communication may result in delays in payments, suspension or lapsing of grants, and possible legal action.
SASSA is working to automate the review process by introducing online self-service platforms to ease the burden on local offices and reduce queues.
Updated asset and income thresholds
As of 1 April 2025:
Older persons, disability, and war veterans' grants: Single asset threshold: R1,524,600 Married asset threshold: R3,049,200 Annual income limit: R107,880 (single), R215,760 (married)
Child Support Grant: Annual income limit: R67,200 (single), R134,400 (married)
Care Dependency Grant: Annual income limit: R277,200 (married)
Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress: R624 monthly means test remains applicable.
For more information, beneficiaries are encouraged to visit their nearest SASSA office or visit www.sassa.gov.za.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
Auditor-General highlights rampant R1bn irregular expenditure in Johannesburg
Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke pointed out that the malpractice observed in Johannesburg is not an isolated issue, but part of a broader trend seen across major municipalities in South Africa. Image: Thobile Mathonsi / Independent Newspapers The Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke has drawn attention to the alarming reality of irregular expenditure within the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), revealing that the municipality was leading the nation in this regard with contracts exceeding R1 billion awarded to contractors with connections to officials. In a webinar hosted by the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) Conversations, Maluleke pointed out that the malpractice observed in Johannesburg is not an isolated issue, but part of a broader trend seen across major municipalities in South Africa. However, she said a concerning aspect of this issue related to existing National Treasury regulations that allow municipalities to pay start-ups in advance for transactions not exceeding R2 000. She highlighted that these regulations may unintentionally facilitate corrupt practices within the CoJ. "The CoJ has high irregular expenditure year-on-year and it does not seem to be a situation that is getting under control. So it raises questions about whether the Council, the Speaker, the Mayor are decisive," Maluleke said. "It is undesirable, it raises a series of conflicts. It raises the question if the contract is in the interest of the city or in the interest of the the individual concerned." Maluleke emphasised that while the law did not expressly prohibit municipalities from engaging in transactions with family members of councillors or employees, there was a vital obligation to disclose such dealings, particularly when they exceed R2 000. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ "We have got to look at different players in the ecosystem of accountability and our analysis is local government is a different sphere of government from provincial and national government, but they are not meant to be autonomous," she said. "They are not meant to operate as islands. These are public resources. We find too many municipalities do things that nobody hold them accountable for. And then they all wait for the AG to come every year they all lament and then we start the thing again next year." Maluleke said her experience in recent years showed that when accounting officers faced scrutiny, they were often transferred, creating instability that hampers accountability. "Our experience in the last few years is that accounting officers where we are zeroing-in to issue a certificate of debt, they get moved around and because we dont hire or fire them," she said. "What you find is that a Council will keep that role very unstable, make someone act for six months another one for six months. It just delays the process. So it might delay the AG but worse of all it continues to weaken the institution. It must often be deliberate." Maluleke said accounting officers too often did not go into the details of the plans that they sign off on. "All too often they don't do that. They might tick a box and say we have seen the plan, but you never seen evidence of suggestions that should be amended so that there is coherence for a province," she said. "No wonder then some of the plans are cut and paste jobs by consultants, and yet they pass and then when they are being implemented, all manner of adjustments are made during the year, which runs into a different costs far way above what it should have cost. "We have got to ask where is the provincial legislature when we have gone into this. We find some of them did not know they were supposed to get certain reports let alone look at them. Sometimes they get them bit did not do anything with them. "I believe we must be much more impatient with municipal leadership that simply does not submit financial statements because these are public funds. And so the very least you can do, whether or not the statements are credible, is to submit them. It's something we should never tolerate, that and disclaimers is something we must leave behind. 30 years into democracy that should not be our experience." BUSINESS REPORT
IOL News
14 hours ago
- IOL News
SASSA distances itself from 'Ubuntu Life,' warns public against fraudulent activities
SASSA warns the public about a fraudulent group, Ubuntu Life, illegally using its name and logo. The agency confirms it has no affiliation with this entity. Image: File The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has issued a public warning regarding the unauthorised and illegal use of its name, logo, and brand by an organisation identified as 'Ubuntu Life.' The agency has categorically denied any association with this entity and is taking legal steps to address the misuse. In a statement, SASSA clarified that it 'wishes to unequivocally distance itself from any association with this entity and to refute any claims or suggestions that Ubuntu Life is affiliated, endorsed, or contracted by SASSA in any capacity.' SASSA, a statutory body responsible for administering and paying social grants in South Africa, emphasised that any attempt to misrepresent a connection with the agency constitutes a violation of South African law, including the Trademarks Act and applicable fraud legislation. Chief Executive Officer Themba Matlou has urged the public to remain vigilant and not engage with any individuals or organisations that claim to operate on behalf of SASSA without official verification. 'SASSA does not outsource grant applications or beneficiary services to private companies such as Ubuntu Life or any other company for that matter. ''We appeal to the members of the public, especially our beneficiaries, not to fall prey to these fraudulent acts committed in SASSA's name. Please exercise vigilance and verify the authenticity of such acts with SASSA before partaking in them,' said Matlou. Matlou also reminded South Africans that SASSA services are free and only provided by employed officials. 'SASSA does not charge any fees for social grant services as the services are rendered for free only by employed SASSA officials. All official SASSA communications come via its official platforms and service points.' ''If anyone is approached or misled by Ubuntu Life or similar entities is urged to report the matter to the nearest police station or contact SASSA directly at 0800 60 10 11 or via email at [email protected].'' Motlou said SASSA's legal team has begun formal action against the misuse of its brand and has committed to pursuing all legal avenues to safeguard its services and protect the interests of beneficiaries. SASSA has also released the official social grant payment schedule for August 2025: Old Age Grant: August 5 Disability Grant: August 6 All Other Grants (including Child Grants): August 7 Beneficiaries are reminded to ensure their bank cards and accounts are active ahead of their payment dates to avoid any disruptions. [email protected] Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL News
The Citizen
14 hours ago
- The Citizen
A brighter future for South African steel?
Key drivers for steel include renewed public investment, an infrastructure-led recovery and rising private-sector activity in renewable energy and manufacturing. South Africa's steel sector stands at an inflection point. After years of stagnation and brutal trading conditions hampered by power outages, logistics bottlenecks and cheap imports, demand for steel is poised to recover. Public investment surge will fuel demand. National Treasury's 2025 budget earmarks over R1 trillion in infrastructure investment through to 2028, spanning transport, energy, water and sanitation. Additionally, the recently announced World Bank $1.5 billion loan is dedicated to upgrading transport and energy infrastructure. This loan addresses grid and logistics deficiencies that have historically constrained steel use. Additionally, the US$500 million World Bank guarantee is designed to direct private investment into electricity transmission, supporting Eskom's grid expansion and underpinning steel-intensive activity. These combined investments promise robust demand for steel, particularly rails, pylons, transformers and transmission infrastructure. ALSO READ: ArcelorMittal warns it might close without urgent solution to challenges SOE roll-out and renewables drive will increase uptake The SOE roll-out and renewables drive, which will increase steel uptake, has begun. The Eskom grid build-out, confirmed in June 2025, relates to 5 GW repowering projects and long-delayed transmission upgrades, and will hinge on local steel supply for pylons and infrastructure. The Transnet and South African National Roads Agency pipelines include rail and port expansions totalling R47 billion, further igniting demand for rails, sleepers and fastener components. The renewable energy boom requires extensive steel infrastructure—frames, towers, pylons—all expected to be sourced locally in line with industrial policy objectives. Resurgent private sector, manufacturing and mining is likely to result from renewed manufacturing activity. With stable power and logistics, sectors from auto to appliance manufacturing will increasingly show output recovery, translating into increased demand for flat and long steel products. Mining sector improvement is slowly gathering momentum. Coal and other mineral transport require steel-intensive conveyance and loading infrastructure—already increasing modestly, with potential growth ahead. ALSO READ: ArcelorMittal hauls Transnet to Competition Tribunal for market abuse Also growth in African steel demand African continental growth steel demand is also expanding. Africa's steel market reached approximately 39.5 million tonnes in 2024 and is projected to expand at ~3.1% CAGR through 2034. South Africa can leverage rising demand across manufacturing and construction markets continent-wide, especially under AfCFTA. Given the infrastructure investment pipeline, further steel-demand growth of 5–7% annually is realistic – outpacing GDP growth. Ultimately, we anticipate seeing a level of palpable demand not seen for some time. Improvements to local sourcing policies can ensure public and private projects use South African steel, reducing imports through localisation and designation, especially for SOEs and government departments and strengthening local steel capacity utilisation will have a solid effect. Stable order pipelines could grow substantially. SOEs alone could generate tens of billions annually in repeat steel demand, providing much-needed predictability and scale. Steel is the linchpin of multiple value chains, from transformers and rails to agricultural equipment. ALSO READ: Warning from industry that Steel Master Plan has stalled Robust demand will revitalise sectors and support thousands of jobs Robust steel demand revitalises sectors and supports thousands of jobs downstream, and consequently, a multiplier effect can be expected once policy supports local demand strongly. Importantly, reliance on imported steel introduces supply risk and volatility. A strong local industry ensures South Africa remains resilient amid global disruptions. The question is not whether steel demand will grow, but how effectively we ensure that this growth benefits domestic producers and fosters sustained industrial development. In the coming months, policymakers and industry leaders must align demand signals with supply capacity, thus creating a virtuous cycle of investment, production, and socio-economic returns. Steel isn't just a commodity; it is the concrete evidence of a nation building itself, bridge by bridge, pylon by pylon, job by job.
