Author: Makhosazane Jiyane

Losing a loved one is never easy. Apart from the emotional pain, families often face financial challenges, especially when arranging funerals and burial services. Fortunately, many South African municipalities offer burial discounts to help ease this burden, particularly for those in lower income groups. This guide will explain how to apply for a burial discount from your local municipality, what documents you need, and what to expect during the process. What is a Burial Discount? A burial discount is a reduction in the fees charged by the municipality for burial-related services. These discounts help make funerals more affordable for families…

When a loved one falls seriously ill and requires constant care, it can place a heavy emotional and financial burden on the entire family. For many South African families, especially those living with limited resources, accessing government assistance becomes a critical lifeline. One such form of help is the Grant-in-Aid, a special social grant designed to support those who need extra care due to illness or disability. In this article, we’ll explore whether you can apply for Grant-in-Aid for a sick family member, what the grant entails, who qualifies, how to apply, and what other support options exist. This guide…

Postbank has issued a critical warning to all social grant beneficiaries who receive their payments through Postbank Black Cards and SASSA Gold Cards. With increasing reports of fraud scams targeting these cards, it’s important that beneficiaries stay alert and take steps to protect their personal information, especially their PINs. What is Happening? Fraudsters pretending to be Postbank officials have been visiting people’s homes, claiming that there is a problem with their grant cards. They try to trick beneficiaries into handing over their cards and PIN numbers, threatening that future grant payments will be stopped if they don’t comply. This is…

he City of Ekurhuleni has announced the deployment of water tankers across various areas affected by Rand Water maintenance scheduled from 29 May to 2 June 2025. The maintenance work, which will last for approximately 107 hours, is crucial for the upkeep and efficiency of the water supply system but will result in temporary water outages in key parts of Ekurhuleni. To mitigate the impact of the water interruptions on residents, the municipality has strategically placed both mobile and stationary water tankers to ensure communities continue to have access to water during the maintenance period. This effort targets vulnerable areas…

Stokvels are one of South Africa’s oldest and most popular community savings methods. Whether in townships, rural areas, or suburban neighborhoods, stokvels help many families manage their finances, save money, and support one another. But when it comes to choosing the best stokvel savings option, many people ask: Food or cash stokvels — which one is smarter? Types of Stokvels: Food vs Cash 1. Food Stokvels Food stokvels focus on buying groceries, household essentials, or bulk food items collectively. Members contribute a fixed amount or supply certain foods every month, which the stokvel leader then uses to purchase items in…

For many South Africans, the end of the month is a stressful time. The salary or grant has just arrived, but somehow, by the time the next month rolls around, the money is already gone — sometimes with nothing to show for it. This cycle can keep people stuck in a financial rut, living paycheck to paycheck or grant to grant, struggling to build savings or improve their lives. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people make the same money mistakes at month-end that keep them broke. The good news? By learning about these common pitfalls and making…

If you’ve applied for social grants through SASSA, you’ve probably done a SASSA status check to see where your application stands. One status many applicants worry about is “Pending.” What does this mean when you see it during your SASSA status check? Should you be concerned? And how long will it take for your application to move forward? R370 SRD Status Check for June 2025 Grant Payments What Does ‘Pending’ Mean in Your SASSA Status Check? When your SASSA status check shows “Pending,” it means your application is still under review. SASSA is working to verify your information and documents…

Losing control of your cellphone number can be stressful and worrying. If you find that your phone number has been given to someone else, or someone else is using your number, it’s important to act fast to protect your identity, personal information, and prevent misuse. This article explains why this happens, what risks you face, and the practical steps you can take to recover your cellphone number in South Africa. Why Would Someone Else Have Your Cellphone Number? There are a few reasons why your number might be used by someone else: SIM Swapping / SIM Hijacking: This is when…

For millions of South Africans who depend on SASSA grants, getting access to their money shouldn’t be another struggle. But with ongoing issues at traditional payout points like the Post Office, that’s often the reality. The good news? There’s a smarter, safer way to manage grant payments — and it’s gaining traction fast. Enter the Shoprite Money Market Account — a simple, low-cost digital account that’s changing the way SASSA beneficiaries receive and use their funds. In this article, we break down how it works, why it’s making life easier for grant recipients, and what makes it a game-changer in…

Apply online for Gauteng Grade 1 & Grade 8 in 2026. GDE Online Admissions 2026 opens on 24 July 2025 and closes on 29 August 2025.