Spotlight on social grants
Special GroundUp series on social grants
Here’s how many people receive a SASSA grant
25% of the population received a grant in 2006. Today, it is about 41%.
Chart by The Outlier. Text by Marecia Damons.
Charts | 30 October 2026
SASSA to spend R290-billion on social grants this year
Grants make up 11% of government spending, the same as 20 years ago
Chart by The Outlier. Text by Marecia Damons.
Charts | 23 October 2026
Treasury allocates R1.6-billion to fight child stunting
The funds will support interventions for pregnant women and young children, but questions remain over how the money will be spent
News | 22 October 2026
SRD grant extended for another year, minister announces
Fewer beneficiaries than expected have taken up the grant
News | 21 October 2026
SASSA at 20 years: 73% of pensioners receive a grant
Grant has helped reduce poverty, but it is being stretched to maintain households
Text by Marecia Damons. Chart by The Outlier.
Charts | 9 October 2026
20 years of SASSA: How the SRD grant became a lifeline for millions
Research suggests the grant does not discourage unemployed people from looking for work
Feature | 1 October 2026
SASSA: Pensioners complain to minister about deductions from their grants
Social Development minister and SASSA CEO visit Delft office
By Sindisiwe Tshona and Abonge Chiya
News | 22 September 2026
SASSA: Long queues, broken toilets and no service after lunchtime
People have to make repeat visits to get help at the Umlazi SASSA office
Brief | 21 September 2026
Judges grill Treasury on SRD grant
SCA judge questions whether “people without the means to even buy a cellphone” should have to apply online
Law | 25 August 2026