Retired Teacher Survives On R530 Child Grant In Soweto — And Sees No Way Out

Former Teacher Survives on Grandchildren’s Child Support Grants as SASSA Older Persons Grant Application Remains Pending

A 63-year-old former primary school teacher in Meadowlands, Soweto, is reportedly struggling to support four grandchildren using child support grants, highlighting the financial difficulties facing some South African households caring for vulnerable children.

Nomvula Dlamini, who lives in a two-room house in Meadowlands Zone 4, says the grants have become her household’s only reported source of income following the loss of her teaching job in 2019.

Dlamini spent 17 years teaching Grade 4 learners at Thuto-Lesedi Primary School before she was retrenched. According to her account, she received no pension payout and did not qualify for Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) benefits.

Her circumstances became more difficult after the death of her grandchildren’s mother, leaving her responsible for raising four children while managing household expenses.

The report states that Dlamini relies on the combined child support grants to pay for groceries, electricity, water, soap and other essential items throughout the month.

“There is nothing else,” she reportedly said, describing the financial pressure of providing for her family.

South Africa’s child support grant is intended to assist eligible caregivers with the basic needs of children. However, Dlamini’s situation illustrates the challenges that arise when such assistance becomes the primary means of supporting an entire household.

According to the information provided, Dlamini submitted an application for an older persons grant at the South African Social Security Agency’s Dobsonville office in March 2024. Her application reportedly remains under review.

SASSA spokesperson Luyanda Mthethwa was quoted as saying that the agency was processing a high volume of outstanding cases and that applicants could visit their nearest office for updates.

The prolonged wait has reportedly left Dlamini struggling to meet her family’s needs while hoping for a decision on her application.

Her experience also raises broader concerns about the financial vulnerability of retrenched workers who lose stable employment without adequate retirement savings or access to other forms of assistance.

For Dlamini, the challenge is not simply finding enough money for food and electricity. It is also about securing a more stable future for the four grandchildren who depend on her.

The details of her case, including the status of her SASSA application and employment history, have not been independently verified.

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