Cape town: The Department of Social Development has tabled a R302 billion Budget Vote for the 2026/27 financial year, with government reaffirming its commitment to strengthening South Africa's social protection system amid rising global economic pressures and persistent inequality. Acting Social Development Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga addressed the National Assembly, noting the budget's significance at a time when households are grappling with high costs of food, fuel, and living due to geopolitical tensions.
According to South African Government News Agency, the bulk of the allocation will be directed towards direct social grants. The government also plans to modernize the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), expand poverty interventions, and bolster responses to gender-based violence. Of the total budget, R293 billion is earmarked for monthly social assistance grants for children, older persons, and persons with disabilities. The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant has been extended until March 2027, supporting approximately 8 million individuals unable to support themselves, with an additional R36.4 billion allocated for its continuation.
Minister Chikunga welcomed the grant increases announced by the Minister of Finance, acknowledging the Child Support Grant's role in combating child poverty despite it being below the food poverty line. The department is working on a broader basic income support policy, with plans to expand pilot programmes connecting Child Support Grant recipients to sustainable livelihood opportunities in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Free State.
The budget speech highlighted significant progress in modernizing SASSA systems, resulting in over R1 billion in savings redirected to other priorities. Key reforms include the full rollout of a biometric beneficiary system, registration of new beneficiaries, expansion of the queue management system, and strengthening cybersecurity measures to protect beneficiary information.
Minister Chikunga emphasized the positive impact of social grants on education, noting that the matric pass rate among grant beneficiaries rose significantly from 2021 to 2025. Many beneficiaries have progressed to tertiary education and entered the labor market, demonstrating the broader developmental impact of social protection.
The department also focused on addressing gender-based violence and femicide, classified as a national disaster. With government support for 142 shelters nationwide, efforts are underway to cover the remaining districts without shelter access. The Gender-Based Violence Command Centre has received over 39,000 calls this year, prompting calls for stronger law enforcement and public reporting of abuse.