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R4.8-billion meant for social grants goes unspent

Department of Social Development spent R281-billion on grants, against a R286-billion budget

The Department of Social Development underspent on social grants in the 2025/26 financial year. Illustration: Lisa Nelson
The Department of Social Development spent R4.8-billion less than expected on social grants in the 2025/26 financial year.
Of the department’s R285.9-billion budget for social grants, R281.1-billion was spent.
Officials told Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development on Wednesday that the shortfall was mainly due to stricter grant verification measures, lower-than-expected uptake of some grants, and beneficiaries of the R370-a-month Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant going unpaid.
R3.1-billion of the underspending was related to the SRD grant. This amount still needs to be paid to beneficiaries in the 2026/27 financial year.
The department also underspent on the old age grant by R793-million…

Read More: R4.8-billion meant for social grants goes unspent.

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