South Africa’s social grant system is a crucial safety net for millions of its citizens. With nearly half the population depending on some form of state support, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) plays an essential role in providing financial relief to those in need. However, for many beneficiaries, the money they receive from social grants is insufficient to cover necessities, forcing them to find alternative ways to survive.
A 2023 SASSA report revealed that over 16 million people are permanent social grant recipients, while an additional 10 million benefited from the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, introduced in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although initially set at R350, the SRD grant has since increased to R370 and extended until March 2025. Despite these efforts, many South Africans struggle to make ends meet.
ALSO READ: SASSA Means Test: How to Check If You Qualify for a Social Grant in South Africa
The Harsh Reality: Surviving on Grants
For many families, social grants are their only source of income. One such example is a family of 12 living in Mabopane, Tshwane, who rely entirely on grants to survive. Among them, six are unemployed siblings raising six children.
“I lost my mother and father, and I live with my five siblings. We are all unemployed and we have children,” said Lerato Moketla (not her real name).
Only four of the six children qualify for the child support grant, meaning the family receives R2,120 per month. One sibling also qualifies for the R370 SRD grant, bringing their total income to just R2,490.
Moketla described their daily struggle:
“The money doesn’t sustain us. It doesn’t even cover our monthly groceries. We recycle plastics and tins, and we ask our neighbours to assist. We can’t afford water and electricity, so we’ve been using it illegally for over 10 years.”
The family had applied for the Poor of the Poorest (POP) program, but their application was rejected because one sibling had previously registered a company, despite it being defunct.
“We owe a lot in municipal bills and cannot pay them. I am pleading with the government to increase the child support grant or create more job opportunities so we can support our families.”
The Rising Cost of Living and Insufficient Grants
One of the biggest concerns raised by social grant recipients is that the increases in grants do not keep up with inflation and rising food prices. Basic necessities like bread, maize meal, cooking oil, and electricity have seen sharp price hikes, making it nearly impossible for grant recipients to afford a decent standard of living.
A recent study found that the food basket cost has increased by more than 15% over the last year, yet grants have only seen minimal increases. Many families, like Moketla’s, have to rely on community assistance, food banks, and illegal means just to survive.
Government’s Response to Social Grant Struggles
When asked about the concerns surrounding the inadequacy of social grants, SASSA spokesperson Andile Tshona explained that the agency does not determine the grant amounts.
“The money paid to beneficiaries is not determined by SASSA. It is a policy issue that is decided by the government.”
SASSA is bound by policy directives from the Department of Social Development (DSD) and budget allocations from the National Treasury. Tshona emphasized that while SASSA plays a crucial role in grant distribution, it does not have the power to increase grants independently.
Social Workers and Additional Support
While social grants provide some financial relief, social workers play a critical role in identifying families in extreme poverty and providing additional aid. A social worker, speaking anonymously, revealed that families who struggle to survive despite receiving grants can apply for further assistance.
“Every region has offices where people can apply for extra help. We first investigate the applicant’s financial situation and the number of dependents. If the total income exceeds R4,000, they don’t qualify.”
For those who do qualify, social workers provide:
✅ Daily bread collections from local offices
✅ Monthly grocery packages
✅ Clothing every three months
However, due to high demand and limited resources, not all struggling families receive this additional support.
The Call for Change: Increased Grants and Job Creation
Many South Africans believe that social grants should be increased to better match the rising cost of living. Others argue that instead of relying on grants, the government should focus on job creation and economic empowerment programs.
Possible Solutions
1️⃣ Increase Social Grants: Adjusting social grants in line with inflation would provide immediate relief to struggling families.
2️⃣ Expand Employment Programs: More skills development and job creation initiatives would help reduce dependency on grants.
3️⃣ Improve Access to Additional Aid: Making it easier for struggling families to apply for extra assistance from social workers would provide better relief.
4️⃣ Municipal Debt Relief: A once-off municipal debt write-off for extremely poor families could help them reset and start afresh.
While SASSA grants provide a crucial safety net, millions of South Africans still face severe financial hardship. As inflation rises and basic living costs increase, more needs to be done to ensure grant recipients can afford food, shelter, and essential services.
The South African government must consider increasing grants, improving job opportunities, and offering better support services to those in need. Without these changes, millions will continue to struggle, caught in an endless cycle of poverty.
