SASSA Has Revealed R1.28 Billion Paid To Qualifying Foreign Nationals In 2025/26

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has reportedly paid approximately R1.28 billion in social grants and Social Relief of Distress (SRD) payments to legally eligible foreign nationals during the 2025/26 financial year, representing less than 1% of South Africa’s total social assistance budget.

The figures were disclosed by Social Development Minister Dina Pule in a written parliamentary response to African Transformation Movement (ATM) Member of Parliament Vuyo Zungula, who had requested a detailed breakdown of government spending on social grants for foreign nationals.

According to the response, permanent residents accounted for the largest share of the reported expenditure, receiving approximately R1.12 billion during the financial year.

Older Persons Grants made up the largest portion of payments to permanent residents, accounting for R931.5 million. A further R134.5 million was allocated to Child Support Grants, while R31.7 million went towards Disability Grants.

The remaining expenditure covered other grants for which eligible permanent residents qualified under South Africa’s social assistance framework.

The disclosure provides insight into the distribution of social assistance to foreign nationals who meet the relevant legal requirements. It also adds figures to the ongoing public debate about social grant eligibility, government spending and the allocation of public resources in South Africa.

Social grants play an important role in supporting vulnerable individuals and households, particularly older people, children and persons living with disabilities. The eligibility requirements differ depending on the type of grant, with qualifying criteria determining who can receive assistance.

Importantly, the reported figures concern legally eligible foreign nationals and should not be interpreted as evidence that all foreign nationals living in South Africa qualify for social assistance.

The distinction is significant because eligibility for grants depends on the applicable legislation and the requirements of the specific programme. Citizenship, permanent residency and other qualifying conditions may determine access to particular forms of assistance.

The reported R1.28 billion expenditure also includes SRD payments, which are administered under a separate framework from several of the country’s established social grant programmes.

The revelation is likely to attract further attention as South Africa continues to debate the sustainability of its social assistance system amid persistent unemployment, poverty and pressure on public finances.

For many South Africans, social grants remain an essential source of support, particularly for households struggling to meet basic living expenses. Consequently, disclosures concerning the allocation of public funds often generate questions about eligibility rules, spending priorities and the government’s responsibility to ensure that assistance reaches those who qualify.

However, the reported expenditure on eligible foreign nationals accounts for less than 1% of the overall social assistance budget, according to the information provided in the parliamentary response.

The figures offer a snapshot of grant expenditure during the 2025/26 financial year, although further details would be needed to establish the precise breakdown of payments by nationality, grant category and programme.

The disclosure also highlights the importance of transparent reporting on social assistance expenditure, allowing Parliament and the public to scrutinise how government funds are distributed and whether existing eligibility requirements are being properly applied.

As the debate continues, the central issues remain the effective administration of social grants, compliance with legal requirements and the responsible use of public funds to support eligible beneficiaries.

Source: https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2115884021880074443