Pretoria: The South African Social Security Agency has welcomed the increase in social grant amounts announced by the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana on Wednesday. All social grants, except the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, will see an increase in the next financial year.

According to South African Government News Agency, the grant increases are as follows: the old age grant will rise from R2 315 to R2 400, the war veterans grant will go from R2 335 to R2 420, and the disability grant will increase from R2 315 to R2 400. Additionally, the foster care grant will rise from R1 250 to R1 295, the care dependency grant will be increased from R2 315 to R2 400, and both the child support grant and grant-in-aid will go up from R560 to R580. The SRD grant will remain at R370, with payments continuing until next year.

SASSA Chief Executive Officer Themba Matlou expressed support for the announcement by Minister Godongwana, emphasizing that social grants provide crucial support to the most vulnerable in society. "This much-needed increase will help cushion our valued social grant beneficiaries against economic hardships," Matlou stated. He also highlighted that the continuation of the SRD grant reaffirms the government's commitment to alleviating poverty and inequality.

Matlou further noted the importance of the SRD grant, which offers financial support and acts as a safety net for the most vulnerable and unemployed individuals of working age. He emphasized that efforts are underway to connect social grant beneficiaries with economic opportunities to ensure sustainable livelihoods.