Latest news with #R294
IOL News
11-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
No grants will be cancelled without verification and due process, says Social Development Minister Tolashe
As the Department modernises SASSA and reviews grant eligibility, Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe stresses no grant will be stopped without due process, urging beneficiaries to cooperate with the verification process. 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.
The Citizen
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
R59, 6 billion set aside for Sassa and SRD grants
The R59.6 billion in Sassa grants constitutes 20.27% of the social development department's budget. A social development department budget of R294 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year has been tabled in the National Assembly by Minister Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe , with a big portion allocated to social grants for 27 million beneficiaries. Nearly R60 billion or 20,27% of the budget has been set aside to cater to the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) and Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants. The budget allocation comes at a time of severe economic constraints and rising unemployment, with approximately 45% of South Africa's population dependent on social grants as their primary source of income. Speaking in Cape Town, Tolashe emphasised that R284 billion of the total budget would go directly to monthly transfers for social assistance beneficiaries. The minister highlighted the critical importance of the social grant system in supporting vulnerable populations, noting that over 19 million social grants are distributed monthly without fail. Honoring lives lost and celebrating progress The minister opened her address by acknowledging recent tragedies, including flood victims in the Eastern Cape and victims of gender-based violence. She specifically remembered several women who lost their lives to violence: 'Olorato Mongale, Uyinene Mrwetyana, Tshegofatso Pule, Nosicelo Mtebeni, Karabo Mokoena. These are just a few of some of the known victims of gender-based violence. 'We remember their names as a constant reminder of the work that remains to be done.' Tolashe also paid tribute to former Deputy President David Mabuza, who passed away recently, and invoked Nelson Mandela's legacy as the country celebrates what would have been his 107th birthday. She quoted Mandela's enduring message: 'As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest.' ALSO READ: Chikunga urges stronger partnerships in GBV fight as stats paint grim picture Addressing persistent inequality The minister acknowledged the stark reality of South Africa's inequality. 'Just as we cannot deny the progress South Africans have made over the last 30 years, nor should we diminish the severe challenges that we continue to face,' she referenced President Cyril Ramaphosa's observation. Tolashe noted that South Africa remains tagged as the most unequal country in the world according to the Gini coefficient, with the nation essentially operating as 'two nations, with race a key driver of high inequality'. The budget presentation revealed that more than 13 million children receive the Child Support Grant, while over 4 million elderly citizens benefit from the Old Age Grant. An additional R34.9 billion has been allocated to the SRD grants programme. Tolashe noted that the SRD grants support more than 8 million unemployed beneficiaries aged 18-59 monthly. Sassa modernisation and fraud prevention Sassa received R24.7 billion for grant administration over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework period. Tolashe outlined ambitious modernisation plans, including the rollout of queue management systems, self-service kiosks and biometric systems to improve service delivery. The minister emphasised the department's commitment to protecting the integrity of the social assistance system. 'We are currently conducting a review process in line with the social assistance regulations,' she explained. She added that the process ensures 'paying the right social grant, to the right person, at the right time and place'. This review process has already generated annual savings of over R1 billion. Tolashe allocated over R200 million over the MTEF period specifically for fraud detection and prevention, stating: 'We are determined to ensure that those who steal money meant for the poor to feed their greed, are exposed and held accountable.' ALSO READ: Bank surveillance and poverty risk: UBIC warns of devastating impact on Sassa beneficiaries Sassa SRD to replace basic income support The minister announced plans to replace the temporary Covid-19 SRD with a permanent Basic Income Support (BIS) programme. This new initiative will include linking beneficiaries to employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities, drawing on a successful pilot project conducted with the Finmark Trust. The National Development Agency (NDA) receives R216 million for grant funding to civil society organisations, with a focus on supporting local economic development and job creation. The agency's turnaround strategy has proven successful, raising over R60 million to supplement its budget and establishing nine community-owned enterprises across 22 wards. ALSO READ: Basic Income Grant implementation postponed again Combating gender-based violence The budget allocates R102 million to accelerate shelter services, particularly in the 30 identified gender-based violence hotspots. Currently, six of the country's 52 districts lack shelter facilities entirely. According to Tolashe, the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre is now fully operational, providing 24/7 support through a free emergency line (0800 428 428). Cabinet's recent decision to re-establish the inter-ministerial committee on gender-based violence and substance abuse will support the 90-Day Acceleration Programme. Tolashe stressed that 'each one of us has an important role to play in confronting head on, the harmful social norms that perpetuate this scourge, in supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.' ALSO READ: Withdrawn GBV cases allow 'perpetrators to evade justice', hears portfolio committee Legislative and organisational reforms The department plans to introduce the Victim Support Services Bill and the Children's Amendment Bill during the current financial year. Tolashe highlighted significant progress in filling critical leadership positions, including the director-general, deputy director-general for welfare services and chief financial officer posts. The minister also addressed the need for more social service professionals, acknowledging that the country is off track to meet the National Development Plan target of employing 55 000 social service professionals by 2030 due to financial constraints. She condemned the killing of social workers who have become vulnerable to criminal attacks due to the nature of their work. ALSO READ: 'No moral standing': Saps must act tough on GBVF officers NPO sector reforms The department has begun deregistering non-compliant non-profit organisations, issuing over 50 000 notices and deregistering more than 15 000 NPOs. However, Tolashe noted an uptick in compliance, with more organisations submitting required reports. She said the department plans to reduce bureaucratic barriers by implementing an automated online application and monitoring system. R137 million has been allocated over the MTEF period to prevent money laundering and terror financing risks in the NPO sector, aligning with Financial Action Task Force recommendations. READ NEXT: 'Police are the chief criminal syndicate': Saps R120bn budget criticised by MPs
Eyewitness News
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
No grant payments will be cancelled without prior verification
CAPE TOWN - As thousands of grant beneficiaries brave freezing temperatures in snaking queues through the night, Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has reiterated that no grant payments would be cancelled without prior verification. She said that the state could save up to a billion rand a year if it rooted out the fraud prevalent at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). Delivering her budget vote address in Parliament on Thursday, Tolashe said that her department was still working on ways to convert the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to a permanent basic income grant. SASSA's verification of eligible beneficiaries and those suspected of having alternative income has been causing upheaval countrywide. But Minister Tolashe is appealing to those who've been requested to visit SASSA offices to undergo the review process to do so, saying it was part of modernising and transforming the agency. "Let me be very clear. We have not stopped or suspended any grant without due process." Tabling her department's R294 billion budget, 96% of which is allocated for social grants, Tolashe said that she would soon retable a policy proposal to Cabinet on the introduction of a permanent basic income grant. "The additional element of this policy proposal is to link beneficiaries to employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities." Tolashe said that by the end of the year, all SASSA offices would be fitted with biometric systems to clamp down on grant fraud.
The Citizen
06-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Eskom debt is strangling Endumeni, warns Chamber
The Endumeni Chamber of Commerce meeting last week laid bare the township's deepening woes, as members heard that Eskom debt has ballooned to R294 million despite a repayment agreement. The municipality is now paying R1.8 million a month simply to cover arrears and current costs—yet Eskom still flags Endumeni as a high risk, warning of possible load shedding. 'They do not budget properly,' said newly elected Chamber president Alan Schonken, adding that infrastructure maintenance should account for 8% of the capital budget but typically sits just above 3%. Hence, the perpetual battle with poor roads and failing streetlights. Former councillor Anthon Raubenheimer pointed out that three years ago, Endumeni had no Eskom debt, but now finds itself in turmoil. Raubenheimer also criticised the outdated municipal website and residents' inability to comment on the 2025/26 draft budget, which must be passed imminently. Paul Coetser warned of collapsing sewage systems—an Umzinyathi District responsibility—calling the leaks a 'doomsday warning' that makes living and doing business in Endumeni unpleasant. Meanwhile, Pam McFadden of Talana Museum cautioned about 17 new mining applications, describing them as the start of fracking that could jeopardise groundwater supplies. Members lamented the absence of Endumeni and Umzinyathi councillors at Chamber meetings. 'The only recourse is to petition higher authorities,' one member declared, urging collective action to pull the municipality back from the brink of total collapse.' HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Daily Maverick
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Maverick
The true price of owning a car
Most prospective buyers of a vehicle tend to focus on its purchase price when figuring out if it's affordable. But there are many other factors to consider because they will inflate your monthly costs. Having recently bought a new car, I've found it quite a big adjustment getting used to a vehicle loan instalment going off my bank account after not having to pay one for eight years. That said, buying a car is about so much more than its financing. I found WesBank's recent calculations about car ownership costs incredibly helpful. These calculations look at the estimated total monthly expenses associated with owning and maintaining one of the top-selling hatchbacks locally. The data also shows how the total cost of ownership has changed over time. 'Despite the recent improvement in passenger car sales, South Africa remains a price-sensitive market,' says Lebo Gaoaketse, head of marketing and communication at WesBank. 'This means when they decide to buy a car, new or used, most buyers base their decision primarily on the purchase price. But it's important to look beyond just that and consider the total cost of ownership, which is influenced by several other factors.' Cost breakdown For a mid-range hatchback with a retail price of about R294,000, including VAT, you can expect to pay an estimated monthly instalment of R5,554.80. Cars in this price range include the Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 Comfortline, Kia Picanto 1.2 EX manual, Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX, Toyota Starlet 1.5 XS and the Fiat 500 Cult. The instalment is influenced by the interest rate linked to the vehicle financing contract, which in turn is influenced by factors such as your credit score and the loan term. It's important to note that the interest rate will vary between customers, depending on their credit profile. Insurance options If you're financing your car through a bank, insurance is compulsory before you drive it off the showroom floor. But even if your vehicle is not financed, insurance protects you against losses that might result from an accident or theft. Insurance premiums vary depending on factors such as the make and model of the car, as well as the driver's history and location. For the model in question, a comprehensive insurance premium of R1,827.24 monthly can be expected. It's worth noting that even if you have comprehensive insurance, the amount you owe the bank includes interest and is usually significantly more than the value of the car, especially in the first four years of ownership. Credit shortfall insurance is a valuable add-on to your policy. I made a point of letting my family know that I had taken this option in case I end up dying in a car accident, because I wouldn't want them stressing about the debt. Nor would I want to be stuck paying off the debt if my car is written off. Fuel costs Fuel is one of the largest recurring expenses for car owners. Gaoaketse recommends that you estimate your monthly fuel costs, determine your car's fuel consumption rate and the distance you travel each month. The average monthly fuel costs for the vehicle in this scenario are R3,902.50. This is where your choice of car can make a massive difference. Although I didn't have a car instalment previously, I was forking out between R4,000 and R6,000 a month on fuel – the 'perk' of living two hours away from the city. Swapping my gas-guzzling SUV for a hybrid car has been an absolute game-changer, and the difference at the fuel pumps still astounds me two months later. Continuing maintenance Routine maintenance is important to ensure the safe and reliable operation of your vehicle. In the WesBank example, you could expect to pay in the region of R475.75 per month, or R5,709 annually, for running costs, including routine maintenance and general upkeep. Total monthly mobility costs When combining the monthly instalment, fuel, insurance and running costs, the total monthly cost for one of the bestselling hatchbacks in South Africa comes to R11,760.29 – marginally higher than the average total cost of ownership in 2024, which was R11,578.70 per month. Historical data Reviewing historical data, the increase in the total cost of vehicle ownership becomes apparent. For instance, because of vehicle price inflation, the estimated monthly instalment for the study model has jumped from R2,417.03 in 2012 to R5,554.80 in 2025. Insurance premiums have increased from R802.66 to R1,827.24 over the same period, and fuel costs have ballooned from R1,856.75 to about R3,902.50 per month. 'Viewing the cost of vehicle ownership from this perspective is important and underscores the need to objectively and honestly evaluate one's affordability level before signing a long-term vehicle finance contract to ensure a fulfilling vehicle ownership experience,' says Gaoaketse. DM PS the numbers in this story were hypothetical and not what Neesa Moodley is paying for her car.
