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Bail hearing for SASSA fraud accused postponed to April

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Bail hearing for SASSA fraud accused postponed to April

The bail hearing for seven South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) officials and three accomplices accused of fraud has been postponed to 1 April 2025. 

The accused appeared before the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, facing more than 1 000 fraud-related charges. 

Four of the accused were arrested last month, while another four were taken into custody on Friday. Two more suspects handed themselves over on Sunday and Monday, respectively.

SASSA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Themba Matlou, welcomed the arrests, emphasising the agency’s commitment to eradicating all forms of fraud and corruption elements within its ranks.

“What we have seen in the last few weeks is a culmination of the hard work of our officials, working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in clamping down on fraud and corruption at SASSA,” Matlou said. 

He further urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to social grants.

“We cannot win this fight alone. We appeal to members of the community to assist us to root out the scourge.” 

SASSA has urged members of the public to work together with the agency and report grant fraud or corruption to 0800 60 10 11 or the National Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 701 701. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 03/19/2025 - 09:21

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Over one million grant beneficiaries heed call to swap SASSA gold cards

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Over one million grant beneficiaries heed call to swap SASSA gold cards

Postbank has announced that as it has successfully swapped over one million social grant beneficiaries from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) gold card to the new Postbank black cards. 

This was announced by Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe during a joint media briefing by Postbank and SASSA on Monday.

“Postbank is encouraged to announce that we have achieved a significant milestone in our replacement of SASSA gold cards with Postbank black cards.  As of 10 March 2025, we successfully swapped over 1 million social grant beneficiaries from the SASSA gold card to the new improved and more compliant Postbank black cards,” Mbengashe said in an update on the replacement of SASSA gold cards with Postbank black cards. 

The two entities expressed appreciation to all grant beneficiaries that came forward in their numbers to replace their cards. 

“Our heartfelt ‘thank you’ for your encouraging response, not forgetting thousands that are at our card replacement sites right now in all parts of the country to ensure that they also get their black cards …Thank you. 

“To those that are yet to replace their SASSA gold cards, we encourage you to still head to a Postbank card replacement site to get your black cards,” the CEO said. 

Postbank card replacement sites are located mainly in selected branches of major retailers that include Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, PicknPay, Boxer, Spar, and beneficiaries can dial *120*355# from a cellphone to look up a nearby site. 

Beneficiaries require only a form of identification, which can be an RSA green barcoded ID, smart card ID, or temporary ID to do the swap. The cards are issued at no cost to the beneficiaries. 

“For us as Postbank, reaching this milestone gives impetus to our commitment to ensure that all our gold card grant beneficiaries are issued with new cards,” Mbengashe said. 

20 March 2025 deadline and what it means 

The CEO reiterated that the SASSA gold cards will stop working on 20 March 2025 and no beneficiary would then be able to use their SASSA gold card to make any transaction, even if they have funds in their account. 

“Beneficiaries would not be able to use SASSA gold cards to buy or withdraw cash inside stores. Retailers would not accept the cards for any transactions, and any attempts will result in automatic system transaction declines. 

“Beneficiaries would also not be able to use SASSA gold cards at any ATM. The SASSA gold may be swallowed when inserted in any ATM to attempt a transaction,” she said.  

She explained that any balance of funds that are available in the SASSA gold card when the cards stop working will be stored safely in each beneficiary’s bank account, and the funds will be accessible for withdrawal though the Post Office withdrawal process, the retailer’s cardless payment method if one is registered for it, or through the Postbank black card.

“Beneficiaries that would still be in possession of SASSA gold cards are strongly discouraged from attempting any transaction with the cards to avoid disappointment, even when they still have available funds,” she explained.

What the 20th March 2025 deadline does not mean

The CEO further explained that the 20 March 2025 is not a cut-off date for when Postbank stops replacing SASSA gold cards.

Postbank will continue replacing SASSA gold cards with new Postbank black cards in all its card replacement sites even after this date. 

“Social grant beneficiaries may still replace their SASSA gold cards with Postbank black cards on, and after, 20th of March 2025.

“To prepare for the next grant payments that are scheduled for 3 to 5 April 2025, SASSA and Postbank encourage beneficiaries to make extra efforts to use the period between now and those payments dates to get their black cards,” Mbengashe said. 

By doing that, she explained that beneficiaries will guarantee that their April 2025 grant payments are made with their cards. 

She said Postbank will continue to swap the gold card until the end of June 2025. 

“This is when we believe we should have swapped all beneficiaries that bank with Postbank. We, however, plead with all beneficiaries to please use the rest of the month of March and perhaps into early April 2025 to go get their new cards,” the CEO said. 

How do I access my April Grant payment if I do not have a black card yet? 

Postbank and SASSA have assured social grant beneficiaries and the public that the payments of social grants will not be interrupted. All social grant beneficiaries will continue to be paid, including all the social grant beneficiaries who have not been able to get their black cards. 

“Starting from the next grant payments that are scheduled for 3 to 5 April 2025 and onwards, social grant beneficiaries that are yet to replace their gold cards with Postbank black cards, can go withdraw their grant at their nearest Post Office. 

“There are currently 543 Post Office branches countrywide that we are working with. All that one will need to make this withdrawal is their ID (green barcoded ID, smart card ID, or temporary ID),” the CEO said. 

Mbengashe said that the Post Office branch-based payments are a channel that many of the social grant beneficiaries have used before, and they are familiar with. 

Beneficiaries are urged to note that the Post Office branch payments will be restricted to social grant beneficiaries that are yet to replace their SASSA gold cards, asylum seekers and Postbank green Mzansi/blue cards’ grant beneficiaries. 

Beneficiaries who already have Postbank black cards are urged to use their card through ATMs and retailers to access their funds. 
They are further urged to never try to collect their payments inside Post Office branches as they will not be provided with a service. Post Office branches will only provide cash withdrawals for those whose black cards are either lost or stolen. 

“Social grant beneficiaries are also reminded that the Post Office payments are an interim measure, therefore they should use the time of this arrangement to make efforts to get their Postbank black cards. As mentioned, the replacement of SASSA gold cards will continue post 20 March 2025 in all the existing Postbank card replacement sites, and more sites are being added every day,” the CEO said. 

Postbank and SASSA said they have taken these measures to ensure that there are no interruptions in the payments of social grants, and that beneficiaries that are yet to replace their SASSA gold cards continue to access their grants when the time for their cards to stop working arrives on 20 March 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Mon, 03/17/2025 - 14:48

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Cabinet welcomes 2025 National Budget 

Location: News

Cabinet welcomes 2025 National Budget 

Cabinet has welcomed the 2025 National Budget as it seeks to maintain a balance between South Africa’s fiscal framework, fund the priorities of the seventh administration while mitigating negative impact on poor and middle-income households.

The budget was tabled by the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, in the National Assembly, on Wednesday. 

He outlined all the financial, economic and social commitments the government will prioritise in its planned expenditure and provided a detailed plan for 2025 spending. This includes proposals for revenue collection to help fund the government’s planned interventions and commitments.

“The allocation of over R1 trillion to infrastructure development over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), the establishment of alternative infrastructure financing through a credit guarantee vehicle and the introduction of multiple bid windows on the Budget Facility for infrastructure is a demonstration of commitment to grow the economy through a strong infrastructure-build programme, whilst simultaneously improving service delivery. 

“Mechanisms for private sector participation as announced with the Budget, which are part of Operation Vulindlela driven reforms, in the energy, transport and freight logistics sectors indicate government’s commitment to fast-tracking private sector investment and inclusive economic growth,” Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said on Thursday.

Minister Ntshavheni was briefing the media in Cape Town, following Cabinet’s meeting on Wednesday.

Operation Vulindlela is aimed at stabilising the supply of electricity; creating a competitive and efficient freight logistics system; reducing the cost and improving the quality of digital communication; ensuring a stable, quality supply of water; and reforming the visa regime to facilitate skilled immigration and support tourism.

READ | Operation Vulindlela records notable progress

Since its establishment in 2020, Operation Vulindlela has made real progress in achieving these objectives.

In light of new and persistent spending pressures in health, education, transport and security, government decided to raise value-added tax (VAT) by 0.5 percentage points in each of the next two years, which will bring VAT to 16% in the 2026/27 financial year.

READ | Government proposes VAT increase over two years

The first 0.5 percentage point increase in the VAT rate will take effect on 1 May 2025 and the second 0.5 percentage point increase will take effect on 1 April 2026.

“Acknowledging the impact of the tax increases, the Budget provides for mitigation measures against the increases such as no increase in the fuel levy, above inflation increases to social grants, with old age and disability grants increasing by R130 to R2315 in 2025 and significant funding allocation to PRASA [ Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa] to improve passenger rail transport which will reduce household income spend on transport costs.

“Most significantly, the tax increases are going to finance sustainability of this country, by maintaining 11,000 teachers in the classrooms, 9300 health-workers in their jobs, the employment of 800 post-community service doctors and allow an additional 700, 000 children (4-years of age) access to early childhood development which is the necessary foundation education they need for a successful education journey,” Ntshavheni explained. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

nosihle
Thu, 03/13/2025 - 11:49
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Government expenditure to reach R2.59 trillion in 2025/26

Location: News

Government expenditure to reach R2.59 trillion in 2025/26

Consolidated government spending is expected to increase from R2.4 trillion in 2024/25 to R2.83 trillion in 2027/28, at an annual average of 5.6%.

Consolidated expenditure will reach R2.59 trillion in 2025/26.

This according to National Treasury’s 2025 Budget Review document.

The majority of that spend will fund the social wage, which includes spend on health, education, social protection (grants), community development and employment programmes.

“Over the medium-term, economic development is the fastest-growing function at an annual average rate of 8.1%, driven by higher allocations to infrastructure projects.

“Spending is highly redistributive, with the social wage making up 61% of total consolidated non-interest spending over the next three years,” the Budget Review read.

Consolidated government expenditure by function is as follows:

  • Learning and Culture: R508.7 billion
  • Health: R298.9 billion
  • Social Development: R422.3 billion
  • Community Development: R286.6 billion
  • Economic Development: R289.8 billion
  • Peace and Security: R266.1 billion
  • General Public Services: R78.7 billion
  • Contingency Reserve: R5 billion

Spending pressures

The 2025 Budget will fund spending pressures of R232.6 billion over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period, including “provisional allocations for frontline service delivery departments amounting to R70.7 billion”.

“These spending additions are partially offset by drawdowns on provisional allocations and contingency reserves, resulting in a net increase in non-interest expenditure of R142 billion. 

“The main spending additions are for critical infrastructure investments, social protection and a higher-than-anticipated public-service wage agreement, alongside provisional allocations for critical frontline services,” the Budget Review said.

Spending additions over the medium-term are attributed mainly to:

  • R46.7 billion for infrastructure investments.
  • R35.2 billion to extend the COVID-19 social relief of distress grant until March 2026.
  • R23.4 billion for the costs of the 2025 public service wage agreement.
  • R8.2 billion to increase the value of social grants by more than inflation.
  • R11 billion to implement early retirement measures in 2025/26 and 2026/27.
  • R5 billion for the carry-through costs for the deployment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • R4.6 billion in 2025/26 for public employment programmes.
  • R3.2 billion in 2025/26 for national government’s share of the debt repayment for the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL). Gauteng province will pay R13.4 billion for its share of the debt repayment to SANRAL.

Addressing government debt

During the Budget Speech on Wednesday, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said government debt is expected to stabilise at 76.2% of gross domestic product in 2025/26, with the consolidated budget deficit expected to narrow to some 3.5% by 2027/28.

“[As] debt stabilises, a growing primary surplus will enable government to reduce debt-service costs as a proportion of revenue.

“Debt service costs will amount to R389.6 billion in the current financial year. This translates to 22 cents of every rand we raise in revenue. It is more than what we spend on health, the police and basic education.

“We must reverse this trend and prevent the cost of debt from taking away resources that could otherwise be spent on our pressing social needs, or to invest in growth. In this regard, our fiscal strategy stabilises debt service costs as a percentage of revenue in 2024/25 by maintaining a primary budget surplus,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 03/12/2025 - 13:54
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Social grants set to increase in April

Location: News

Social grants set to increase in April

All social grants, barring the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, are expected to increase from April this year.

Delivering the 2025 Budget Speech in Parliament on Wednesday, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said the number of social grant beneficiaries – excluding those receiving the SRD grant – is expected to rise to some 19 million in 2025/26 and 19.3 million in 2027/28 due to a growing population of older persons.

Godongwana said for 2025/26, social grants will be allocated some RR284.7 billion.

“As announced by the President in the State of the Nation Address, the SRD will be used as a basis for the introduction of a sustainable form of income support for unemployed people.

“The future form and nature of the SRD will be informed by the outcome of the review of active labour market programmes. This is expected to be completed by September 2025.

“The truth is that ours is one of the most comprehensive social safety nets among emerging economies. This reflects our commitment to addressing poverty and inequality, while keeping our spending sustainable,” he said.

The grant increases this year include:

  • Old age grant will increase from R2185 to R2315
  • War veterans grant will increase from R2205 to R2335
  • Disability grant will go up from R2185 to R2315
  • Foster care grant rises from R1180 to R1250
  • Care dependency grant will increase from R2185 to R2315
  • Child support grant will go up from R530 to R560
  • The grant-in-aid will increase from R530 to R560

In the Budget Review, National Treasury said the budget for social grants is “increased by R8.2 billion over the medium term to account for higher costs of living”. 

“An amount of R35.2 billion is allocated to extend the payment at the current [SRD] R370 per month per beneficiary, including administration costs,” the department said.

The Department of Social Development, which administers social grants, has been allocated R422.3 billion in 2025/26, which is expected to increase to R452.7 billion in 2027/28, at an average annual growth rate of 4.5%.

“This funding supports poverty reduction through social grants, the provision of risk benefits through social insurance and the delivery of welfare services, development initiatives, empowerment programmes, gender equality initiatives and advocacy for children, women, youth, the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

“Social grant spending makes up 81 percent of the allocation for this function. At an average annual growth rate of 5.3 percent, social protection spending increases above inflation over the medium term; however, social grant reform and efficiency savings will be necessary to ensure the sustainability of the social security system.

“[The] sector’s operational budget will be subject to conditions, including the need to improve biometric verification of recipients to achieve savings,” the National Treasury said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 03/12/2025 - 13:57
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Beijing+30: SA reaffirms commitment to women empowerment

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Beijing+30: SA reaffirms commitment to women empowerment

South Africa has reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Beijing+30), which commits to ensuring gender equality and women’s empowerment worldwide.

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, delivered the Country Statement at the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), currently underway at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

In her address on Tuesday, Chikunga emphasised the critical issues outlined in South Africa’s National Review of progress made in implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

The country’s statement lays bare South Africa’s commitment to expedite the full realisation of the Beijing+30 agenda.

“From the onset, South Africa reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to the full, effective and accelerated implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. We pledge our support and congratulate the commission on the unanimous adoption of the political declaration yesterday.

“We recognise these as transformative blueprints for a future that will be just, equitable, sustainable and collectively prosperous. Moreover, we align ourselves with the statements delivered on behalf of the African Group, the Group of 77 plus China, as well as the Southern African Development Community (SADC),” Chikunga said.

Gender equality and women empowerment, the Minister said, are fundamental constitutional imperatives enshrined in Section 9 of South Africa’s Constitution, with the Bill of Rights embracing a restorative approach to gender equality.

Key achievements

The Minister highlighted some of the country’s achievements in areas such as women representation, judiciary, higher education and social protection.

Women’s representation: South African women now make up 43.5% of the Parliament, a significant increase from 28% in 1994. Women also hold 43% of the Executive positions, compared to only three women in 1994.

Judiciary: As of February 2023, 45% of South Africa's 253 judges are women, up from only two women judges in 1994. Notably, South Africa appointed its first-ever female Chief Justice and Head of the Constitutional Court, the country's highest judicial authority, in 2024.

Higher education: South Africa has surpassed gender parity in higher education, with over 60% of graduates from colleges and universities being women. The country is now prioritising increasing women representation in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), as well as in Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.

Social protection: Over the past three decades, South Africa has built one of the most comprehensive social protection systems in the developing world, providing critical support through social grants that lift millions of women and girls out of poverty.

The Minister further highlighted South Africa’s commitment to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), noting the National Council Act on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which was recently signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa. It underscores South Africa’s whole-of-society effort to prevent, eliminate and respond to violence against all women and girls in public and private spaces, including online and offline.

South Africa has also completed a national GBVF prevalence study to ensure that the current and future interventions are evidence-based on sound scientific evidence.

Through its leadership role in the G20 Ministerial Working Group on the Empowerment of Women, the Minister said South Africa is shining the spotlight on the care economy, promoting financial inclusion through preferential public procurement for women-owned enterprises, and ensuring that women have access to land, productive assets and economic opportunities.

Despite the significant progress made, the Minister acknowledged that much more needs to be done.

“No democratic world or State can claim freedom unless women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression. Women and girls will be free and this is our commitment,” Chikunga said.

The 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) takes place from 10 to 21 March 2025. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

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Wed, 03/12/2025 - 11:16
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KZN aims to attract investment while also creating jobs

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KZN aims to attract investment while also creating jobs

The KwaZulu-Natal province aims to secure an additional R4 billion in investments in the 2025/26 financial year and create 5 000 potential jobs, Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said on Friday.

This is after the KZN Investment Conference held in November 2024 resulted in R75.8 billion in investment pledges, including major projects like the Westown mixed-use development in Shongweni and SAPPI Southern Africa upgrades.  

Delivering the State of the Province Address (SOPA), the Premier outlined a bold future for the province.

Ntuli began by honouring the memory of citizens lost to recent floods and heavy rains, as well as soldiers who died in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

READ | KZN flood victims moved to temporary accommodation

He stressed the province’s resilience and commitment to overcoming challenges, including high unemployment, poverty, and the impacts of global crises.

Ntuli also highlighted significant achievements over the past eight months and outlined strategic priorities for the coming year.

The Premier also detailed the ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects, including upgrades to the N3 and N2 highways, the construction of new dams, and the expansion of the Dube Trade Port and Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone.  

According to Ntuli, these projects are expected to create thousands of jobs and boost the local economy. 

Meanwhile, the King Dinuzulu Innovation Valley at Dube TradePort, set to open in June 2025, will serve as a hub for technological advancement and entrepreneurship. 

The province is also rolling out broadband connectivity projects to ensure high-speed internet access for all citizens. 

He also emphasised the province’s commitment to reducing poverty and the rising cost of living which remains as a persistent challenge for many families across the province.

Initiatives include social grants, support for child-headed households, and efforts to combat gender-based violence, while also focusing on youth and women empowerment through various programmes and funds.

“Poverty and the rising cost of living remains a persistent challenge for many families across KwaZulu-Natal. While social assistance remains a necessary lifeline for many of our people, this trajectory is not sustainable.” 

Instead, he believes government should build a nation where economic opportunities replace dependency, where employment and entrepreneurship empower people, and where prosperity is driven by innovation and productivity. 

The Premier also noted the province’s record-breaking 2024 matric pass rate of 89.5% and improvements in healthcare services, including the purchase of new ambulances and the expansion of the school nutrition programme. 

Meanwhile, he stated that efforts to improve school infrastructure and reduce dropout rates are also underway. 

Ntuli reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to building a capable, ethical, and developmental State. This includes strengthening public institutions, enhancing service delivery, and rooting out corruption.

Spaza shops

Meanwhile, he said from 14 October to 14 November 2024, the provincial government conducted unannounced inspections of spaza shops and wholesale businesses. 

“What we uncovered was deeply concerning. It became abundantly clear that economic activity in many of these areas has shifted away from our local entrepreneurs, with some businesses operating in direct violation of our laws – engaging in illicit trade and other criminal activities that threaten the well-being of our communities.” 

A joint operation was conducted, resulting in the inspection of 7 729 premises and as a result, 337 premises were closed, and 142 arrests were made.

In addition, 2 429 compliance notices and 480 fines were issued, alongside the confiscation of 10 210 kg of illicit goods.

“It is our firm belief that the township and rural economy in KwaZulu-Natal plays a vital role in both economic growth and job creation for local communities, with substantial value and employment opportunities across informal sectors like spaza shops, street vendors, and small-scale manufacturing.” 

READ | Deadline won't be extended for spaza shops to register

Today marks the deadline for spaza shop and other food handling to register their businesses with their local municipalities. 

He called on all citizens and stakeholders to work together towards a prosperous and inclusive future for KwaZulu-Natal. 

“The future calls, and we must answer with action, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the service of our nation, “ he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

Gabisile
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 14:58
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Beware of fake COVID-19 SRD application sites

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Beware of fake COVID-19 SRD application sites

The Department of Social Development and it's entity the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), have warned the public of fake sites and links for applications for the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (cSRD) grants.

The correct and authentic application platform for all applications for the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress is https://SRD.sassa.gov.za .

The following links: https://srd-sassa.org.za  and https://srdsassagov.co.za  are fake and are used to collect data from unsuspecting applicants, stealing personal information from applicants of the grant of R370. 

This was revealed in Parliament on Wednesday when the Portfolio Committee on Social Development received an update into the investigation on alleged weaknesses and fraud in the application and payment system of social grants. 

The Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe instituted an investigation into vulnerabilities of the applications and systems used by SASSA for the payment of social grants. 

The Portfolio Committee on Social Development had made recommendations to conduct an investigation on alleged vulnerabilities after claims of fraud in the application system of the cSRD were made by two students from the University of Stellenbosch.

“Phase 1 of the investigation consisted of a comprehensive audit into the SRD application system administered by SASSA to determine the extent to which the system was exposed to Fraud. 

“The findings of this audit will serve as input as a basis for Phase 2, which will be an investigation into alleged fraud and weaknesses in the broader social grant system that results in ineligible beneficiaries receiving social grants,” said the Department of Social Development in a statement.

The Final Report on the Vulnerability Assessment (VA) and Penetration Testing (PT) on the SRD online system administered by SASSA made the following findings, among others:

- That there are unidentified, malicious websites with .org and .co.za domain names that purport to be the authentic SRD application websites that are used to harvest applicants information for fraud purposes

- That the SRD web application has weaknesses, such as unencrypted communications, that present threats to the security of the platform and the safety of users. These weaknesses are classified as medium risk by the Final Audit Report.

The Final Audit recommends a communication campaign warning beneficiaries and applicants about the unofficial and fake sites that are used to harvest their information for fraudulent purposes.

The department said SASSA has developed an action plan to respond to the recommendations of the Final Audit Report. It has the following activities: 

- It has replaced the HTTPS: method with a POST method to protect communications between the applicant and the server that processes their information.

-To implement a Rate Limit to limit the abnormal number of requests made to the SRD application system

- Update outdated software, and

- Implement regular patch updates and introduce biometric 

In the long term, and within 18 months, SASSA will take down the fake websites and other content that violates its brand, copyright or right to information and privacy.

Minister Tolashe has assured the committee of her commitment in addressing the vulnerabilities and weaknesses identified in the system. – SAnews.gov.za

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Wed, 02/26/2025 - 15:38
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All Beneficiaries Will Continue to Receive Social Grants Beyond the Deadline for Moving to Black Cards

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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Having been briefed on the important matter of moving social grant recipients from the South African Social Security Agency's (SASSA's) Gold Cards to Postbank's Black Cards, the Portfolio Committee on Social Development and the Portfolio Committee on Communication and Digital Technologies welcomed an undertaking that all beneficiaries will continue to receive their grants beyond the new deadline of 20 March 2025.

However, those without Black Cards after the new deadline will only receive their grants at their nearest branches of the South African Post Office, because the Gold Card will be deactivated.

The committees both raised their serious concern about the way in which the project was conceptualised and managed from the start, saying that communication was inadequate. They also expressed displeasure about the inconvenience beneficiaries have suffered due to the long queues and slow services, calling on the Postbank to redouble its efforts to ensure that all beneficiaries are treated with dignity and are helped expeditiously.

The committees advised the Postbank and SASSA to work closely with the Government Communications and Information System to leverage its communication network and specialised competency.

To address the challenge of long queues, the committees called for the introduction of additional service points in the form of mobile offices in rural areas where beneficiaries will be assisted speedily, without relying solely on retail stores often located at big shopping centres and malls.

Lastly, the committees thanked social grant beneficiaries for their patience with the process, which was necessary to ensure the security of the cards used to access social grants.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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SONA in numbers – 2025

Location: News

SONA in numbers - 2025

MOURNING

  • 14 – South African soldiers who died as part of a mission to bring peace to the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

HISTORY

  • 70 – years since the adoption of the Freedom Charter at the Congress of the People in Kliptown.
  • 30 – years since the dawn of democracy.

ECONOMY AND INFRASTRUCTURE

  • 5 – number of years for the implementation of the Medium-Term Development Plan.
  • 3 – government’s strategic priorities to be advanced by the Medium-Term Development Plan.
  • Over 3% – the level of economic growth that government aims to lift to create the virtuous cycle of investment, growth and jobs.
  • R100 billion – value of infrastructure financing expected from local and international financial institutions and investors.
  • More than R940 billion – money that government will spend on infrastructure over the next three years.
  • 3 – number of years during which government will spend more than R940 billion on infrastructure.
  • R375 billion – money to be spent by state-owned companies on infrastructure.
  • 12 – blended finance projects worth nearly R38 billion that have been approved through the Infrastructure Fund last year.
  • Nearly R38 billion – value of 12 blended finance projects that have been approved through the Infrastructure Fund last year.

WATER

  • 490 million – cubic metres of water a year that the Polihlali Dam will feed from the Lesotho Highlands into the Vaal River System. 
  • R23 billion – money secured by the Infrastructure Fund for seven large water infrastructure projects.
  • 7 – large water infrastructure projects for which the Infrastructure Fund has secured R23 billion.

ENERGY

  • More than 300 – days without load-shedding since March 2024.
  • Over 13 billion – United States dollars that have been pledged by the international community to the Just Energy Transition.

VISA

  • Over 90% – the backlog of more than 300 000 visa applications that government has cleared.
  • More than 300 000 – visa applications of over 90% of the backlog that government has cleared.

BUSINESS FUNDING AND JOB CREATION

  • R20 billion – value of a transformation fund a year over the next five years that government will set up to fund black-owned and small business enterprises.
  • Over 10 000 – persons with disabilities to be empowered by the National Skills Fund Disabilities Programme through tailored training programmes, stipends and specialised tools.
  • Almost 2.2 million – work and livelihood opportunities created by the Presidential Employment Stimulus through innovative models that provide high-quality work to participants.
  • Over 80 000 – jobs created by the Social Employment Fund in 2025.
  • More than 12 000 – participants supported by the Social Employment Fund to enter entrepreneurial activities.

TOURISM

  • Close to 9 million – tourists who visited South Africa last year.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND EMPLOYMENT

  • 235 000 – work opportunities secured by young people during the past year through the National Pathway Management Network, which is underpinned by the SAYouth.mobi platform.
  • Some 4.5 million – young people registered on the SAYouth.mobi platform.
  • Around 60% – value of the national budget that government spends on the social wage: on health, education, social protection, community development and public employment programmes.

SOCIAL ASSISTANCE AND EDUCATION

  • More than 28 million – unemployed and vulnerable people who receive social grants.
  • More than 10.5 million – learners who go to public schools where they do not have to pay fees.
  • Over 900 000 – students from poor and working-class backgrounds who received funding to study at universities and colleges in 2024.
  • 10 – key priorities of the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children. 
  • 87% – learners who passed their matric exams.
  • Approximately 10 000 – students in the first year to be supported through Phase 1 of the Comprehensive Student Funding Model for Higher Education to address the needs of the “missing middle”.

HEALTH

  • 3 – existing old central hospitals to be replaced.
  • 3 – new central hospitals to be constructed.
  • 5 – new district hospitals to be constructed.
  • 5  – community health centres to be constructed.
  • 1 – a new psychiatric hospital to be constructed.
  • 96% – people living with HIV who knew their status, by the end of March 2024.
  • 79% – people on antiretroviral treatment among the 96% of people living with HIV who knew their status, by the end of March 2024.
  • 94% – people on antiretroviral treatment, among the 96% of people living with HIV who knew their status by the end of March 2024, who were virally suppressed.
  • 1.1 million – additional HIV-positive people not on antiretroviral treatment that government will look for to ensure that South Africa reaches its target of 95-95-95.
  • 90 – days during which the United States Government has decided to suspend some of its funding for HIV and TB programmes in African countries.
  • About 17% – the value of funding from the United States Government to South Africa’s HIV spend.

HOUSING

  • 300 000 – serviced stands to be provided to qualifying beneficiaries to enable housing development in well-planned, connected communities along key development corridors.

RAIL TRANSPORT

  • More than 80% – passenger rail corridors that have been returned to service.
  • Over 200 – locally-produced trains that the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa has introduced on its network to provide a low-cost option for public transport.
  • Over the next five years – period during which government will restore the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s signalling system.

CRIME AND CORRUPTION

  • 4 000 – personnel to expand the Detective Service through internal recruitment processes.
  • Over R95 billion – value of leakage in impermissible refunds that the South African Revenue Service prevented by using artificial intelligence in its fraud risk detection and verification work.
  • R20 billion – amount recovered by the South African Revenue Service.
  • Over R10 billion – money recovered by the Special Investigating Unit and Asset Forfeiture Unit in state capture related cases.
  • 16 out of 22 – action items that government has fully addressed in the law-enforcement system to secure the removal of South Africa from the international Financial Action Task Force grey list.

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

  • 65 – Thuthuzela Care Centres across the country.
  • 52 – districts in the country.
  • 44 – districts, out of 55 districts in the country, which have gender-based violence shelters.
  • 16 – additional sexual offences courts to be established in the next financial year.

VISION

  • Next 30 years – period of a vision for the country to be defined by all South Africans coming together in the National Dialogue.

 

Janine
Sat, 02/08/2025 - 09:11

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Read moreSONA in numbers – 2025

Social Development reiterates commitment to improving SASSA services

Location: News

Social Development reiterates commitment to improving SASSA services

Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has pledged her support and commitment to improving South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) services during an engagement with the agency's senior managers at a strategic planning session in Cape Town. 

Tolashe on Tuesday expressed her heartfelt congratulations to the many social grant beneficiaries, who excelled in the 2024 matric exams. 

Of the 724 156 full-time learners who registered for the National Senior Certificate (NSC), 572 338 are social grant beneficiaries, representing 81% of the registered pupils in the education sector. 

These learners achieved a commendable pass rate of 86%. 

“This indicates that the investment government is making in the lives of poor and vulnerable children is yielding a positive impact in breaking intergenerational poverty," Tolashe said. 

Reflecting on recent achievements, the Minister highlighted key milestones and ongoing priorities. She committed to urgently addressing the issue of permanent leadership appointments and the shortage of personnel at most local offices. 

Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the need for community-based engagements and outreach activities. 

“Our community is waiting for our immense intensification of community outreach, where we prioritise underserved areas to bring services closer to our people,” she reiterated. 

With regards to SASSA systems, Tolashe urged management to prioritise improving and modernising systems to improve accessibility, queue management and prevent fraud. 

In addition, the Minister has requested SASSA Acting CEO, Themba Matlou, to provide a plan that seeks to resolve the challenges of payment channels in rural areas by providing an alternative solution for payments. 

“We commit ourselves to work with [SASSA]... We are available at all times to address the challenges together. We all need to be solution-driven in our course to make changes to the lives of our people through concerted efforts,” the Minister said. 

SASSA is a national agency of government that administers South Africa's social security system, including distributing social grants on behalf of the Department of Social Development. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 01/22/2025 - 14:56

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Read moreSocial Development reiterates commitment to improving SASSA services

All fraudulent COVID-19 SRD grants automatically canceled

Location: News

All fraudulent COVID-19 SRD grants automatically canceled

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Mpumalanga has announced the automatic cancellation of all fraudulent R370 COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant payments.

The SRD grant is administered in terms of app-section 32 of the Social Assistance Act, 2004 (Act No. 13 of 2004) and is implemented with the concurrence of the Minister of Finance. The grant is meant for South African citizens, refugees, asylum seekers and special permit holders, who are between the ages of 18 and 60 years, who have insufficient means, who do not receive social grants on behalf of themselves, or who are not contributing to or eligible for Unemployment Insurance Fund payment, and have no financial support from any other source.

In a statement on Monday, the agency informed all beneficiaries that it is mandated to cancel all fraudulent grant payments, while emphasising its commitment to combatting fraud and ensuring that grants are paid to the rightful beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries, whose grants are cancelled due to suspected fraud, are allowed to reapply.

“SASSSA implemented this activity to ensure that the Agency pays social grants to the right people and avoid fraud.

“The agency is encouraging people to take responsibility to make sure that their identity numbers are not utilised for fraudulent activities. SASSA beneficiaries must ensure that they do not share their identity numbers with strangers to avoid becoming aiding fraudsters,” the Agency said. 

To manage these cases effectively, SASSA has deployed a team of well-trained officials assigned to deal with COVID-19 SRD grant cases.

Beneficiaries, who suspect fraudulent activity involving their grants, are encouraged to report it immediately via SASSA's toll-free hotline or WhatsApp service.

“Beneficiaries are encouraged to note that when they check their status and find out that it states “referred” it means that the SASSA system is suspecting fraudulent activity therefore the beneficiary must contact SASSA immediately to resolve the case,” the Agency said. 

SASSA also warned beneficiaries not to keep changing their banking details and contact numbers because those processes delay the payment processes.

For further assistance or information, beneficiaries can contact SASSA toll-free on 0800 60 10 11, or call 013 754 9428/9363 during working hours, Monday to Friday. WhatsApp inquiries can be directed to 082 046 8553. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 01/20/2025 - 10:01

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Read moreAll fraudulent COVID-19 SRD grants automatically canceled

Class of 2024 achieves historic pass rate

Location: News

Class of 2024 achieves historic pass rate

The Matric Class of 2024 has achieved an overall pass rate of 87.3%, making it the highest matric pass rate in the history of South Africa.

“I am proud to announce that in 2024, 615 429 learners passed the National Senior Certificate (NSC) – more than any other time in our history. South Africa’s national pass rate for the 2024 National Senior Certificate has therefore increased from 82.9% in 2023 to 87.3%,” Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube said on Monday.

Addressing the announcement of the 2024 NSC results in Johannesburg, Gwarube said this was the highest matric pass rate in the history of the country and should be a moment of great pride and celebration for all.

Nearly half of the learners who wrote the NSC examinations received a Bachelor pass.

Bachelor passes 

According to the Minister, 47.8% of candidates qualified for admission to Bachelor studies, which is a significant improvement from last year’s 40.9% and represents the highest number of Bachelor passes in recent history.

“This is a 6.9% increase from last year. In 2014, we produced 150 752 Bachelor passes. In just a decade this number has more than doubled in 2024 to 337 158 Bachelor passes.

“It is also encouraging to see that some of our provinces with the highest numbers of learners are achieving high numbers of Bachelor passes.

“In 2024, I am pleased to announce that KwaZulu Natal achieved the highest number of Bachelor passes with 84 470, followed by Gauteng with 66 979 and the Eastern Cape with 45 662,” the Minister said.

Approximately 67% of the Bachelor passes achieved in 2024 came from Quintile 1 to 3 schools, which are typically found in poorer communities.

“This percentage represents an increase from 2023. This means that poorer communities are producing more and more candidates who can go on to become doctors, engineers, accountants and scientists,” she said.

Distinctions 

The Class of 2024 achieved an impressive number of 319 651 distinctions.

“This represents a significant increase of over 65 000 distinctions from last year. Some of these increases were seen in key subjects, including Mathematics. I am pleased to report that every province increased the number of distinctions achieved in 2023.

“KwaZulu Natal was once more the top performing province in terms of the percentage of candidates obtaining distinctions, with 10.8% distinction potential achieved.

“Coming in second with 6.3% of distinction potential achieved was the Western Cape, followed by Gauteng with 5.3%. Notable progress was made by Mpumalanga and Limpopo in this regard where we saw this percentage increase by over 1% in 2024 when compared to the results for 2023,” Gwarube explained.

Every province improved on its performance from 2023, and every province achieved above 84%. 

Mathematics and Physical Sciences

In 2024, 69.1% of learners passed Mathematics, which is an increase from 63.5% in 2023. 

However, in Physical Sciences, while 75.6% of learners passed, this was a decrease from 76.2% in 2023. 

“While the number and percentage of learners achieving distinctions in Mathematics increased in 2024 from 2023, the number and percentage of learners achieving distinctions in Physical Sciences has dropped.

“The improvement in performance in Mathematics is encouraging. However, the decreasing participation rates in these key subjects, and the decrease in performance in Physical Sciences, highlight the urgent need to improve foundational literacy and numeracy to ensure that our schooling system produces learners who are confident and capable enough to choose and excel in Maths and Science subjects throughout their schooling career,” the Minister said.

Improvements 

In 2024, more high schools achieved a pass rate in the NSC examinations of between 80% and 100% than in 2023. 

“In 2023, the number of high schools achieving this was 4 493 and in 2024 this number increased to 5 387 representing 77.7% of our high schools. Also important to note is that the number of underperforming schools has decreased,” the Minister said.

Approximately 97% of learners enrolled for Grade 12 in 2024 ultimately wrote the NSC exams in 2024.

“In 2024, we saw the number of full-time candidates writing the National Senior Certificate examinations increase from 691 160 in 2023 to 705 291 in 2024.

“We also saw the number of learners with special education needs who wrote the National Senior Certificate examinations increase from 5 288 in 2023 to 6 470 in 2024.

“Furthermore, we saw 556 726 learners who are beneficiaries of social grants writing the National Senior Certificate exams in 2024 – 12 938 more than in 2023,” the Minister said.

She said the 2024 National Senior Certificate results for 2024 show that the schooling system was maturing, but that there was still much work to be done to improve the quality of education outcomes. 

READ | Class of 2024 commended for their resilience 

Earlier in the day, the Minister together with mobile network provider, MTN hosted a Ministerial Breakfast in honour of 39 matric top achievers. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 01/13/2025 - 20:10

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Read moreClass of 2024 achieves historic pass rate