Vuyo Zungula Exposes Millions Allocated To Refugees And Asylum Seekers In SASSA Budget

African Transformation Movement (ATM) Member of Parliament Vuyo Zungula has published official estimates provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in a parliamentary reply, revealing that approximately R1.28 billion was budgeted for social grant disbursements to legally eligible foreign nationals during the 2025/26 financial year.

The detailed statistical breakdown released by Social Development Minister Dina Pule shows that permanent residents accounted for the overwhelming bulk of the allocations, receiving approximately R1.12 billion across multiple social assistance categories. This included R931.5 million for the Older Persons Grant, R134.5 million for Child Support Grants, R31.7 million for Disability Grants, alongside smaller disbursements for Care Dependency, Grant-in-Aid, and Foster Child grants. Recognized refugees constituted the second-largest group, receiving an estimated R150.8 million, with R105.8 million allocated toward Child Support Grants and R32.7 million for Older Persons Grants. Minor disbursements were also recorded under the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) program for specific permit holders and asylum seekers.

The executive response accompanying the data stressed that social assistance payments to non-citizens strictly comply with constitutional provisions and the Social Assistance Act, which limit eligibility to individuals with verified legal status. The Department of Social Development emphasized that the expenditure on eligible foreign nationals represents less than 1%—specifically 0.45%—of South Africa’s total social assistance budget. Furthermore, the ministry reiterated that unlawful residents, undocumented migrants, and illegal immigrants are entirely excluded from receiving state grants or SRD benefits.

The disclosure has reignited fierce parliamentary debates surrounding state expenditure priorities, fiscal constraints, and social welfare distribution, as political parties clash over immigration policies ahead of upcoming legislative sessions.

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