Latest news with #DSD
The South African
2 days ago
- Business
- The South African
SASSA Children's grants for June 2025 payout this WEEK
Here's all you need to know about SASSA Children's grants for June 2025, paying out this week on Thursday 5 June 2025. Every month, billions in social welfare is set aside from taxpayer funds to support financially distressed parents in South Africa. And even though there was some uncertainty over Finance Minister's 2025 budget, the good news is April's above-inflation grant increases have not been reversed. As such, SASSA Children's grants for June 2025 are the most expensive for the government to payout. For example, R560 for Child Support may not sound like a lot, but it's paid each month to roughly 14-million beneficiaries. There are also Foster Care and Child Dependency grants under the Childcare banner. But more about those later… If you are unfamiliar with how the SASSA Children's grants for June 2025 are divided up, here's what you need to know. The South African Social Security Agency administers all child-related social grants. However, you may only claim one grant at a time. And only one parent (if married) may claim a grant per child. There is no limit on how many children you may apply on behalf of though. SASSA Childcare pays R560 per month. per month. SASSA Care Dependency pays R2 310 per month to those with disability under 18. per month to those with disability under 18. SASSA Foster Care for R1 250 to a court-appointed foster parent. SASSA is imploring parents to register with Home Affairs and get their children support from day one. Image: SASSA Better still, the Department of Social Development (DSD) has been imploring young mothers with newborns to make their SASSA applications as soon as possible. It says parents are waiting too long before getting their children onto critical social welfare. As such, we calculated that if a mother puts a newborn onto SASSA Children's grants for June 2025, that child will earn the household roughly R155 500 in government funds. Of course, we can only guess at the annual grant increases. But this conservatively factors in estimated annual grant increases like the 5.7% enjoyed back in April 2025. However, to qualify for any childcare grant, you do have to pass the following means test (there is no asset portion, like Older Person grants): Earn less than R8 800 per month if married ( R105 600 annually). per month if married ( annually). Earn less than R4 400 per month if single (R52 800 annually). Of course, your child must be under the age of 18. And another SASSA rule is you cannot receive more than one grant at same time (like Disability or Older Persons, for example). Applications can take up to three months to be processed however, you will be back-paid to the date of your initial application. If you are denied a Children's grant, you have 90 days to appeal through the DSD. First of all, before you worry about SASSA Children's grants for June 2025, you must register your child with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) eHome portal. Many parents are not getting their newborn's unabridged birth certificate and identification document early enough, says government. Until they have these, they are not eligible to be loaded onto the SASSA Childcare system. After you have been through DHA eHome, you can make an appointment on the SASSA online portal, before having an in-person meeting with SASSA. Be sure to bring the following documents with you to the appointment: Valid identity documents of you and your spouse (if married). Official birth certificate and ID of the child you're applying for support for. Proof of marital status (via a marriage, birth or death certificate of your spouse). Proof of income (both you and your spouse). An approved three-month bank statement (no more than three-months old). Proof of address (a utility statement with your name on it that's not more the three-months old). SASSA Foster Child grants only go to court-approved foster parents. Likewise, Childcare Dependency grants only go to children who have received the necessary disability approvals from a government doctor. Make note of the rest of 2025's Childcare payment dates. Image: SASSA For application or payment queries you can contact SASSA directly here: SASSA Toll-Free Call: 0800 60 10 11 SASSA Head Office: 012 400 2322 Email SASSA: grantenquiries@ 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
4 days ago
- Health
- The South African
Future of SASSA grant for pregnant women hangs in the balance
Did you know that a SASSA grant for pregnant women has been on the table for some time now? First tabled in 2012, it's known as the Maternal Support Grant (MSG), and it's a shame it has been in limbo for more than a decade. At its heart, a SASSA grant for pregnant women hopes to address the fact that nearly one-third of children born in South Africa are stunted. This is due to poor nourishment of the mother. In fact, 2.5 million people live in nutritionally insecure households, according to the South African Medical Research Council. Even though it will cost billions annually, the savings a maternity grant will bring are said to be ten-fold. Image: File As such, mothers who are malnourished during pregnancy have much higher odds of poor birth outcomes. This includes low birthweight, poor neurodevelopment, and increased risk of chronic disease later in life. This is why the proposed SASSA grant for pregnant women came about. And many in civil society say the South African Social Security Agency should combine it as an extension of the existing R570 Child Support Grant. However, despite the draft policy being 13-years old, the Department of Social Development (DSD) says it still hasn't reached Cabinet. Last year, in November 2024, the policy was submitted to the Social Protection, Community and Human Development (SPCHD) Cabinet Committee. But it was sent back for 'further work,' saying poverty, unemployment and inequality need to be addressed jointly. In more than a decade, the DSD has not even presented the draft policy to Cabinet. Image: File Some worry a SASSA grant for pregnant women would 'incentivise child birth and create a dependency syndrome.' However, civil society says it has been more than a decade since the DSD commissioned research on the benefits of a SASSA grant for pregnant women. And in that time the body of evidence in its favour has only grown stronger. Therefore, the absence of income support for pregnant women is a big gap in the country's social security framework. According to advocacy groups, a SASSA grant for pregnant women would require in the region of R1.9 billion to R3.2 billion annually. However, the potential saving to public health would exceed R13 billion. It is therefore a critical investment into the future of the nation. But what do you think …? 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 Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Urgent appeal to prevent financial collapse of Moot children's homes
Urgent appeal to prevent financial collapse of Moot children's homes The Jakaranda and Louis Botha Children's Homes in the Moot are facing an unprecedented financial crisis, operating without state funding for more than 60 days. CEO Charlene Grobler described the situation as the most stressful in her nearly 20-year tenure, highlighting the severe impact on both staff and children. During a recent fundraiser at the Atterbury Theatre, Grobler posed a poignant question to the audience: 'How long does it take to bleed out?' This metaphor underscored the urgency of the homes' financial distress. Despite fulfilling all compliance requirements and undergoing successful audits by the Auditor-General and the Gauteng Department of Social Development (DSD), the management of the homes has not received any feedback or funding, leaving it unable to meet basic operational costs. The institution cares for nearly 300 children aged 3 to 18 and employs 122 staff members. Daily operations, including transporting children to 28 schools and maintaining 30 houses, two clinics, and two administrative buildings, require immediate financial support. With the second school quarter concluding and examinations approaching, Grobler emphasised the critical need for electricity and resources to ensure the children's well-being and academic success. Grobler made a direct appeal to the community, urging them to put pressure on the DSD to honour its commitments to the children who are all placed under the care of the homes by court order. 'Help is needed now to care for these children to prevent a total breakdown,' she stated. The situation reflects broader systemic issues within the Gauteng department. In 2023, the department rejected funding for 171 non-profit organisations (NPOs) due to non-compliance, citing reasons such as lack of occupational certificates and building plans. The DA's Refiloe Nt'sekhe MPL and DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Social Development, said investigations revealed that many state-run facilities continued to receive funding despite similar non-compliance, raising concerns about double standards in the department's funding practices. Furthermore, the department has been criticised by the DA for its handling of funds. In the 2024/25 financial year, it was reported that R1.7-billion allocated for social development purposes remained unspent, while R102-million was returned to the Treasury due to NPOs' non-compliance. Nt'sekhe argues that instead of penalising NPOs, the department should assist them in meeting compliance standards to continue providing essential services. AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit is also taking up the cudgels for the NPOs. Despite repeated requests for clarification and action, Premier Panayaza Lesufi has yet to respond to concerns raised by the civil organisation about the provincial DSD. Lesufi is now also facing serious allegations of orchestrating a cover-up involving widespread corruption, money laundering, and fraud within the department. The AfriForum unit has now approached the Gauteng Legislature with a letter, urging the Speaker to fulfil the constitutional duty to exercise oversight of the provincial executive authority, which includes the premier. The legislature's Speaker and the Deputy Speaker have confirmed receipt of the letter. The accusations, which have been ongoing for several months, claim that Lesufi failed to act on forensic reports detailing misconduct by senior officials. The unit asserts that the implicated officials were suspended between September 2023 and January 2024 but have since been reinstated. Advocate Gerrie Nel, head of the unit, criticised Lesufi's response to the allegations, stating that the premier's actions appear to be an effort to conceal the alleged crimes and protect the implicated officials. Questions were forwarded to the premier's office, but no answers have been received by publication date. ALSO READ: What's happening in Pretoria this weekend? Here is the ultimate guide Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
24-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
SASSA grant payment dates for June 2025
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has released the grant payment dates for the month of June 2025. SASSA pays grant to various beneficiaries including the Childcare grant, Old age grant and Disability grant. Here are the SASSA payment dates for June 2025: Old age grant- Tuesday, 3 June 2025 Disabilty grant- Wednesday, 4 June 2025 Childcare grant- Thursday, 5 June 2025 SASSA warns the public of a fake job advertisement circulating on social media platforms. The advertisement says that SASSA is need of a grant administrator and the salary is R21 234. The social agency stated that individuals should visit their website for job vacancies and should avoid misinformation. The Department of Social Development (DSD) has outlined why the SASSA pension cannot be increased to R5000. This comes after the United South Africa (USA) leader Riyad Isaacs submitted a petition to the Minister of Social Development urging the government to raise the SASSA pension. In an open letter submitted to both Social Development Minister and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, Isaacs highlighted issues financial strains that pensioners face. However, the DSD said that the increase would not be feasible since the government has a set amount allocated to pay beneficiaries. 'Currently, approximately 19 million South Africans receive social grants. The government has allocated R284.7 billion for social grants for the 2025/26 financial year. Of these beneficiaries, 4.1 million are older persons who receive R2,315 per month (ages 60–74) or R2,330 per month (ages 75 and older),' explained the DSD. The Department further stated that if the grant is increased to R5000, it would mean that the government would have to allocate R246 billion for the 4.1 million pensioners, excluding other grant beneficiaries. 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.
IOL News
24-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
How the Western Cape is uniting to combat hunger
Wendy Kaizer-Philander s the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Social Development in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament. Image: Supplied Wendy Kaizer-Philander When looking at the wealth in our cities and the beauty of our landscapes, it can be easy to forget that in many corners of the Western Cape, hunger remains a daily reality of life. Something so basic, so fundamental, still plagues the lives of thousands of our citizens. The General Households Survey published by Statistics South Africa in 2021 revealed a disturbing reality: that almost 250 000 households in Cape Town experienced hunger. These are not just numbers. They are children going to bed with empty stomachs. They are elderly citizens choosing between food and medicine. They are families losing hope. Food insecurity And the problem is even more pressing in rural municipalities. In places like Saldanha, Oudtshoorn, Prince Albert, and Beaufort West, more than 40% of residents are food insecure. That means they cannot afford the minimum food needed for basic energy intake. In Matzikama, Theewaterskloof, and other rural regions, the rates are alarmingly high as well. Behind every percentage point is a human story of struggle - mothers stretching a single meal for an entire day, children falling behind in school because hunger robs them of focus and strength. This is the harsh reality of food insecurity in the Western Cape. But amid this bleak picture, there is also movement, action, and compassion. The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has stepped up with urgency and resolve, working with civil society to build a safety net that stretches into the most vulnerable communities. Recognising the deepening risk of household hunger, DSD has developed and implemented a comprehensive support system to mitigate to ensure no one is left behind. At the heart of this response are Community Nutrition and Development Centres (CNDCs) and Community Kitchens, operated by a network of dedicated non-profit organisations (NPO). In the 2024/25 financial year, 54 NPOs managed 102 CNDCs and 16 community kitchens across the province. These centres do more than serve meals, they restore dignity, provide social support, and create employment. In fact, 163 jobs were created through CNDCs in 2024/25, with an estimated 249 job opportunities set for the 2025/26 financial year. 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. 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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 ✕ Rural areas The focus is heavily on rural areas, where 58% of funding was directed. In regions like Eden Karoo, for instance, over R11.7 million was allocated to fund 14 community kitchens and 19 additional feeding sites. Through these efforts, more than 10,000 beneficiaries are fed each month from CNDCs, and another 8,000 receive meals through community kitchens – 80% of whom are women with children under five. The Western Cape DSD's response does not stop there. During emergencies, food parcels are swiftly delivered - 2,458 households were supported with emergency food parcels in 2024/25 alone. In addition, the Department funds a vast network of centres providing daily meals as part of their care model, including: 141 old age homes serving 5,317 older persons three meals a day 163 senior clubs supporting over 8,000 elders with weekday meals 40 disabled homes and 47 protective workshops, serving over 3,800 people with disabilities Over 20,000 vulnerable children served through after-school centres, drop-in sites, and child care facilities Support to shelters for the homeless, victims of gender-based violence, and individuals undergoing substance treatment Altogether, the department is investing R47.4 million through 55 organisations to ensure food reaches those who need it most. No silver bullet This is not a silver bullet. Hunger remains a devastating and complex issue, rooted in poverty, unemployment, and enduring inequality. Lasting solutions must be found through the creation of more opportunities. But what the DSD's efforts does show is that government, in partnership with civil society, can make sure that our most vulnerable residents are cared for, even when they cannot afford to care for themselves. As citizens, we must continue to hold our leaders accountable. But we must also acknowledge the quiet work being done - the soup being stirred in a community kitchen, the food parcels delivered to the elderly, the warm meal handed to a child after school. These are acts of humanity in the face of hardship. Food insecurity is a stain on our collective conscience. But with sustained commitment, proper funding, and deep community partnerships, it is a challenge we can and must overcome. *Wendy Kaizer-Philander who is the Chairperson of the Standing Committee Social Development in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament. Weekend Argus
