‘Half a loaf is better than nothing’: Why some SASSA recipients are saying thank you

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While many grant recipients voiced anger, a different group responded with gratitude, and their reasons reveal a surprising perspective.

0 SASSA outreach. Image: X/@OfficialSASSA Not every SASSA grant recipient met festive season payment news with anger. A number of South Africans used the moment to express gratitude for the support they receive.

The comments, posted on The South African’s Facebook page, offer a different side to a conversation dominated by frustration over grant amounts.

Mpho Joyce put it simply. “Half a loaf is better than nothing thank you,” she wrote, adding a smiling and praying emoji.

Zandile Macu shared a more personal reason for her thanks, pointing to the role grants play in single-parent households.

“I just want to appreciate and thank you, SASSA, for helping us when there is no father at home, at least we are receiving something rather than nothing. “keep it up guys” Keep it up, guys, with good work,” she wrote.

Macu’s comment highlights how the Child Support Grant often serves as a lifeline for mothers raising children alone.

Some commenters turned to faith. Christelle Van Biljon wrote in Afrikaans: “SE Liewers dnk Vir GOD wat one help,” which loosely translates to a call to rather thank God for the help received.

Olivia Hossell focused on older recipients, writing: “This can help the elderly.” Francina Radebe kept it short with a simple “Thanks.”

Not everyone was fully satisfied. Nokuthula Bhanana raised a question many recipients ask every year.

“Sassa suppose to give an extra money in December, is that too much?” she wrote.

The idea of a December bonus or “13th cheque” for grant recipients circulates widely each year, but SASSA has repeatedly dismissed such claims. Recipients should rely only on official SASSA channels for information about payments and be wary of social media posts promising extra money.

Bhanana’s question shows how even grateful recipients feel the pressure of the festive season.

The mixed reactions reveal a divided community. While some recipients feel the grants fall far short of what they need, others see them as essential support that keeps their households going, especially in homes with no other income.

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