“It’s a joke,” exclaimed one South African on social media this week in response to the news that SASSA will be increasing grants by a mere R10 in October.
SASSA, the lifeline for many South Africans, has announced incremental increases for various grant categories starting October 1, 2023.
While the agency’s intention is to provide some relief to beneficiaries, the minimal R10 bump has triggered mixed reactions across the nation.
Breakdown of the Forthcoming Changes
- Older Persons Grant: Recipients aged 60 to 74 will see their grant increase from R2080 to R2090 on October 1, 2023.
- Older Persons Grant: Those aged 75 and older will also receive a R10 increase, bringing their grant up to R2110 from R2100.
- Disability Grant: This grant, vital for those with disabilities, will also rise from R2080 to R2090 in October.
- Child Support Grant: For families relying on child support, the grant will increase from R500 to R510, offering slightly more support to caregivers. The top-up amount will remain unchanged at R250.
- Foster Child Grant: Foster caregivers will see their grant increase from R1120 to R1130, albeit still modest.
- Care Dependency Grant: This crucial grant for those in need of care will increase from R2080 to R2090.
- War Veterans Grant: Recognizing the contribution of military veterans, this grant will increase from R2100 to R2110.
- Grant-In-Aid: Those receiving aid will also benefit from the R10 increase, as their grant goes up from R500 to R510.
South Africans React: ‘It’s Not an Increase, It’s an Insult’
The announcement has elicited a strong and passionate response from South Africans, who feel that a mere R10 raise falls significantly short of addressing the rising cost of living. Many believe it is insufficient to make any real impact on their daily lives.
IAn Stephens expressed, “It is NOT an increase; it is an insult.”
Adéle Sherriff added, “No, it’s not a lot. It’s a disgrace. You can buy two tomatoes.”
DjGalli Giovanni Carlson voiced concern for pensioners, saying, “Pensioners getting a R10 increase. You can’t even take a taxi for R10. What does the government think of the elderly?”
Carina Cronje simply labeled it a “joke,” while Oloff Crous pointed out, “You can’t buy anything with R10.”
Anton Marx highlighted the complexity of the grant system, suggesting, “There are so many types of grants that the government can’t keep up with all of them.”
The frustration and disappointment expressed by South Africans underscore the ongoing struggle to balance the needs of the country’s most vulnerable citizens with the financial realities faced by the government. As the cost of living continues to rise, many are left wondering if R10 is indeed a sufficient response to the pressing challenges they face.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is SASSA increasing grants by only R10 in October?
SASSA has cited budget constraints and economic challenges as the reasons for the modest R10 grant increase.
How will the R10 grant increase affect recipients of the Older Persons Grant?
Older Persons Grant recipients between 60 and 74 will see their monthly support rise from R2080 to R2090.
Will the R10 increase make a significant difference to beneficiaries’ lives?
Many South Africans believe that the R10 raise is insufficient to address the rising cost of living and does not make a meaningful impact.
Why are South Africans expressing outrage and frustration over the grant increase?
Public reactions reflect a sense of disappointment and anger, with many feeling that the government is not doing enough to support vulnerable citizens.
