DSD Rejects Calls to Double SASSA Pension Grants Amid Economic Struggles
SOUTH AFRICA – The Department of Social Development (DSD) has officially confirmed that South Africa’s SASSA pension grants will not be doubled, despite mounting pressure and rising living costs affecting the elderly.
During a recent parliamentary committee meeting, advocate Riyad Isaac emphasized that the current grant of R2,310 (and R2,330 for those over 75) is insufficient for pensioners, many of whom are struggling to afford food, rent and essential services.
Isaac pointed out that while some pensioners may receive private pensions, the majority depend entirely on state support.
He argued that the current grant level fails to protect vulnerable elderly citizens living below the poverty line.
Responding to concerns, Dr. Maureen Mogotsi, acting chief director at DSD, explained that while the government acknowledges financial difficulties faced by pensioners, doubling the grants is not feasible due to budgetary limitations.
“Of the 19 million core grants paid monthly, around 4 million are SASSA pension grants. We have already allocated R285 billion for social grants in the 2025/26 financial year,” Mogotsi stated.
She highlighted that the Older Persons Grant is already the highest among all social grants, surpassing the upper poverty line, making further increases difficult to justify.
Meanwhile, the Child Support Grant remains below the food poverty line, forcing the department to prioritize allocations across different social welfare programs.
“You see, we are between a rock and a hard place. Who should we consider first? It’s simply not possible for us to double SASSA pension grants,” Mogotsi explained.
The DSD’s statement comes amid uncertainty surrounding the yet-to-be-approved 2025 Budget.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is expected to present his proposal to parliament for the third time, including a possible VAT hike to generate revenue for social grants.
Economists warn that the proposed VAT increase, combined with rising costs of essentials such as electricity tariffs, could further weaken pensioners’ purchasing power despite the above-inflation grant increases approved in April 2025.
Meanwhile, some pensioners faced delayed payments in May 2025 as SASSA implemented additional verification procedures.
Beneficiaries were required to visit local offices to confirm their details or risk suspension of their grants.
Earlier reports speculated that suspended SASSA accounts in May may have been linked to efforts to recover government funds, but officials have yet to confirm such claims.
According to iHarare News, although the government has assured pensioners that social grant distribution remains stable, public frustration continues to mount.
