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Sassa grants: Here are the August payment dates and amounts
Sassa grants: Here are the August payment dates and amounts

The Citizen

time4 days ago

  • Business
  • The Citizen

Sassa grants: Here are the August payment dates and amounts

Sassa has released its payment schedule for August 2025, with payments set to begin on 5 August. The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) will disburse August social grants to beneficiaries in the first week of August The agency administers more than 19 million grant payments, including the Older Persons' Pension Grant, Disability Grant, War Veterans Grant, Care Dependency Grant, Foster Child Grant, Child Support Grant, Child Support Grant Top-Up, and Grant-in-Aid. Sassa grant payment dates: Older Persons Grant – Tuesday, 5 August 2025 Disability Grant – Wednesday, 6 August 2025 Children's Grants – Thursday, 7 August 2025 Sassa grant amounts: Old Age (60-74 years) and Disability grants – R2 315; Old Age (75+ years) Grant – R2 335; War Veterans Grant – R2 315; Care Dependency Grant – R2 315; Child Support Grant – R560; Foster Care Grant – R1 250; SRD Grant – R370 ALSO READ: No social grants have been suspended, says Sassa Sassa fires off grant suspension warning Speaking during a media briefing on Monday, Sassa CEO Themba Matlou said that while no grants have been suspended yet, the agency will not hesitate to lapse grants for beneficiaries who ignore review notices. Matlou explained that Sassa is legally required to provide beneficiaries with three months' notice before suspending their grants. However, those who fail to respond to review notices face the prospect of having their grants lapse permanently. 'We'll have to lapse the grant because it could be that some of them are either potential fraudulent cases, some of them don't deserve to get it,' Matlou said. He further added that the review process is essential for maintaining the integrity of the social assistance system, particularly as the agency works with other institutions to identify beneficiaries who may no longer qualify for grants. The CEO noted that Sassa must provide quarterly reports to the National Treasury on review progress, which has significantly elevated the agency's workload. NOW READ: Under review: Sassa fires off grant suspension warning

Sassa delivers grants and IDs to Harding
Sassa delivers grants and IDs to Harding

The Citizen

time10-07-2025

  • Business
  • The Citizen

Sassa delivers grants and IDs to Harding

Sassa and Social Development hosted a successful outreach in Harding, providing social grant support, ID services and business funding. Residents of Harding and surrounding areas in KwaZulu-Natal received crucial government services this week during a community outreach led by the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) and the Department of Social Development. The Integrated Community Registration and Outreach Programme (ICROP) took place on Tuesday at Mlamulankunzi Sports Ground in Ward 8, with Deputy Minister for Social Development, Ganief Hendricks, heading the delegation. 'This is my first, and hopefully the first of many ICROPs to come that I will be doing with Sassa, not only here in KZN but throughout the country. 'This is what ICROPs are all about: bringing government services closer to those who need it most and where they live,' said Hendricks. Access to grants, IDs and support Hundreds of residents received help with social grant applications, Covid-19 SRD enquiries, and identification services from the Department of Home Affairs. Beneficiaries also had the opportunity to engage directly with local leaders and national officials. Sassa's acting regional executive manager in KZN, Simlindile Jabavu, stated that the province is home to approximately 2.9 million Child Support Grant recipients. ALSO READ: Sassa cracks down on beneficiaries flagged for not disclosing income KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development Mbali Shinga described the outreach as a tool for real change. 'I'm confident that today's outreach will help us take meaningful strides in poverty alleviation and our fight against GBV,' said Shinga. Business support handed over The National Development Agency handed over a cheque of more than R99 000 to Nolubaphitha Primary Cooperative Limited, a local female-led business that provides low-cost bread to the community. 'These are the kinds of initiatives we want to support as part of our Sustainable Livelihoods Programme,' said Hendricks. Sassa also distributed school uniforms to underprivileged pupils as part of its Social Relief of Distress Programme. Community member Bathobile Disani welcomed the initiative. 'We have challenges with our Covid-19 SRD grants, and Sassa officials were able to assist and resolve the issues on-site,' she said. NOW READ: No social grants have been suspended, says Sassa

SASSA puts concerns to rest: Grants continue throughout review period
SASSA puts concerns to rest: Grants continue throughout review period

The Citizen

time10-07-2025

  • Business
  • The Citizen

SASSA puts concerns to rest: Grants continue throughout review period

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has assured beneficiaries that no social grants have been suspended amid ongoing eligibility reviews currently underway. 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 At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

SASSA confirms no grant suspensions amid ongoing eligibility reviews
SASSA confirms no grant suspensions amid ongoing eligibility reviews

The Citizen

time08-07-2025

  • Business
  • The Citizen

SASSA confirms no grant suspensions amid ongoing eligibility reviews

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has assured beneficiaries that no social grants have been suspended amid ongoing eligibility reviews currently underway. 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 At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

When care is the only currency — the women performing quiet miracles in ECD
When care is the only currency — the women performing quiet miracles in ECD

Daily Maverick

time07-07-2025

  • General
  • Daily Maverick

When care is the only currency — the women performing quiet miracles in ECD

I recently started working at an early childhood development (ECD) nonprofit organisation (NPO) in Knysna, after years of focusing on national advocacy for early learning and related issues. The challenges facing early childhood development in South Africa are well researched, clearly documented and actively addressed through targeted advocacy, but intellectualised information doesn't always make the real-life implications hit home. Through my interaction with staff at ECD programme sites and within our NPO, the penny dropped properly: it's not just ' challenging ' – it's virtually impossible to run a sustainable ECD centre in an informal area in a smallish town like Knysna. That is, unless you're lucky enough to have access to social capital – the kind often tied to white privilege – that can mobilise networks of people with means to channel funding into the centre. Let me illustrate. There are 82 ECD sites in the Knysna municipality, reaching about 3,500 children aged 0-6. Eighty-seven percent of these sites serve underprivileged communities, and almost all charge a modest fee of R300-R400 a month. Yet, according to site leaders/principals, most parents struggle to pay in full or at all. A third of the site leaders said there are children in their area not attending preschool because their families can't afford the fees. You might not realise when you come to Knysna on holiday, but 63% of people living here fall below the Upper Bound Poverty Line. That's less than R1,634 per person per month, the minimum needed to cover essential food and non-food items. While the rising cost of living puts enormous pressure on families, we must also acknowledge that ECD is still not valued as highly as, for example, tertiary education, even though it is arguably the smartest and most cost-effective investment in long-term educational success. So, when household income is limited, ECD simply doesn't make it to the top of the priority list. Making it even harder to collect fees is the reality that these children will soon move on to no-fee public schools. That's why we increasingly see very young children being placed in school-based Grade R classrooms, where play-based learning – though official policy – is hard to implement. Instead, children often sit behind desks, much like they will be doing in Grade 1. Alternatives to fees If ECD centres can't rely on school fees, what are the alternatives? One opportunity is to ensure that your site registration with the provincial Department of Education is at a silver or gold level (conditional or full registration). This would qualify you to apply for the government ECD subsidy, currently R17 per child per day and set to rise to R24 in September. But only children who qualify for the Child Support Grant are eligible, leaving a gap, especially when parents are still unable or unwilling to pay fees. Registration also isn't easy or cheap. Meeting municipal health and safety standards can require property upgrades: fencing (about R700 per metre), toilets (R2,500-R7,000), proper flooring (R600-R800 per square metre), fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and other safety features. Health, safety, and food prep assessments alone cost around R1,500. For gold/full registration, you may also need zoning approval (R3,800-R18,000) and professional building plans (R25,000-R60,000). Every requirement adds up. Let's say you secure silver registration and your subsidy application is approved for 80% of the 25 children enrolled at your centre. That gives you about R10,560 per month. If, optimistically, 70% of parents pay 80% of a R350 monthly fee, you earn another R5,040, bringing your total monthly income to R15,600. Without the subsidy, your income is just R5,040 from school fees. Now consider your expenses. For 25 children, you'll need at least one assistant – who may also double as the cook – earning a salary aligned with the minimum wage, which is around R5,000. Then there's food. The cost-of-living crisis has deepened food insecurity in South Africa, with 17.5% of households experiencing severe food insecurity, and children cannot learn on an empty stomach. A nutritious meal will cost about R9 per child per day for 25 children, that's R4,950 per month. Now you're already at R9,950 before rent, water, electricity, cleaning supplies or learning materials, which could add another R2,000-R4,000. Even with the subsidy, you're left with just R1,650-R3,650 before paying yourself or covering emergencies and maintenance. Yet somehow, in the Knysna municipality alone, we work closely with ECD site leaders, supported by 182 practitioners and 26 assistants, who each month provide early learning to 2,855 children across 67 sites. Dedication I hope it's clear: there is no profit to be made – this work is carried out with sheer dedication, mostly by women, because they care about the children. This demonstration of resilience, determination and dedication is one of South Africa's most undervalued economic forces, overlooked by government, despite clear evidence (like the Heckman Equation) that investing in early childhood services offers the highest returns for reducing unemployment and building human capital during the most critical years of a child's life. Michelle Lencoe, principal of Lithemba Edu-Care in Sedgefield, describes the moment her centre finally received the government subsidy: 'This year, a miracle happened! I didn't even think it was possible to be independently funded by government, but we did it! It's a major achievement, even for someone like me who enjoys a challenge and doesn't shy away from hard work.' She recalls one of her proudest moments: 'A child from our centre started Grade R at a public school in 2024. In the first term, her teacher said she was 'too clever for Grade R'. By the second term, she was promoted to Grade 1. That's the level of excellence I strive for with every child who comes through Lithemba Edu-Care.' How do these site leaders make it work? They hustle. They compromise. But the price is paid through the quality of learning. In Knysna, over half of ECD practitioners earn less than minimum wage, with 22% earning under R3,000 per month. It's no surprise, then, that there are high levels of attrition. Some centres can't afford to provide food and rely on parents to send lunch – parents whose stretched budgets don't always allow for the nutrition growing children need to learn. Many sites operate at a quality level that cannot support strong learning outcomes: in the Knysna municipality, 42% of sites are rated inadequate, and 36% only basic. Some take in more children, including babies and toddlers, just to raise income, but this too compromises quality and increases the need for more practitioners or assistants, a requirement that is often unmet. Having a local ECD resource and training organisation like ours makes a difference. Through our fundraising, we support some of the most vulnerable sites with a feeding scheme, provide registration support, practitioner training and learning materials. But most towns don't have that kind of backup. The 2021 South African ECD Census recorded 42,420 early learning programme sites. Forty-three percent remain unregistered, a figure confirmed again in the 2024 South African Early Childhood Review, meaning they do not receive the government's ECD subsidy. More than 1.6 million children are enrolled, their early development resting in the hands of women who perform small miracles every month to keep these sites going, purely because they care. So, if you're looking for something to care about in South Africa, find one of these centres and lend your support. It's inspiring – and it's one of the few investments guaranteed to change the trajectory of a child's life. Someone is already doing the heavy lifting – literally for love and charity. As communities, the least we can do is help lighten the weight. DM

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