Your SASSA Grant Comes From Taxpayers — Not The ANC, And Not Any Political Party

Millions of South Africans receiving old-age pensions, disability benefits and caregiver-related grants depend on monthly payments from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). However, questions remain about how much beneficiaries understand the source of this funding.

The money comes from government revenue generated through taxes paid by individuals, businesses and consumers, rather than from the African National Congress (ANC) as a political organisation.

Revenue collected through personal income tax, value-added tax (VAT) and corporate taxes helps the government finance social assistance programmes. These include the Old Age Grant, Child Support Grant and Social Relief of Distress payments. SASSA distributes the benefits under the Department of Social Development, making social grants part of the government’s responsibilities rather than the property of any political party.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have reportedly advocated increasing the minimum social grant to R4,500 per beneficiary monthly. Party spokesperson Sinawo Tambo argued during a parliamentary address that existing payments are insufficient to cover essential expenses such as food, transportation and municipal bills.

“Four hundred rand cannot sustain human dignity,” Tambo argued before the National Assembly’s portfolio committee.

Concerns have also been raised about politicians receiving public appreciation for social grants during community gatherings and local meetings. Research attributed to community development scholars at the University of the Western Cape reportedly highlighted how associating government services with political parties could encourage dependence and influence voters’ perceptions.

During a financial literacy workshop in Khayelitsha’s Site B, 63-year-old Nomsa Dlamini reportedly expressed surprise about her understanding of social assistance. Holding her SASSA booklet, she told another participant: “I always thanked them at the voting station. Nobody ever told me this money was already mine by right.”

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