
Collect your June SASSA grants from next week
SASSA has confirmed that Pretoria grant recipients can collect their payments from next week, with June payout dates now officially announced.
Below are the payment dates for Older Person's, Disability, and Children's grants in June:
Older Person's Grant 3 June 2025
Disability Grant 4 June 2025
Children's
Grant 5 June 2025
All social grants, barring the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, increased in April this year.
Delivering the 2025 Budget Speech in Parliament earlier this year, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana stated that the number of social grant beneficiaries – excluding those receiving the SRD grant – was expected to rise to around 19 million in 2025/26 and 19.3 million in 2027/28 due to a growing population of older persons.
Godongwana said that for 2025/26, social grants were allocated approximately R284.7 billion.
'As announced by the President in the State of the Nation Address, the SRD was to be used as a basis for the introduction of a sustainable form of income support for unemployed people.
'The future form and nature of the SRD would be informed by the outcome of the review of active labour market programmes, which was expected to be completed by September 2025.
'The truth was that ours was one of the most comprehensive social safety nets among emerging economies. This reflected our commitment to addressing poverty and inequality, while keeping our spending sustainable,' he said.
The grant increases that took effect in April were:
Old age grant: increased from R2185 to R2315
War veterans grant: increased from R2205 to R2335
Disability grant: increased from R2185 to R2315
Foster care grant: increased from R1180 to R1250
Care dependency grant: increased from R2185 to R2315
Child support grant: increased from R530 to R560
Grant-in-aid: increased from R530 to R560
In the Budget Review, National Treasury stated that the budget for social grants was increased by R8.2 billion over the medium term to account for higher living costs.
'An amount of R35.2 billion was allocated to extend the payment at the current SRD rate of R370 per month per beneficiary, including administration costs,' the department said.
Also read: Is there an outbreak of Staphylococcus in Pretoria?
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
Ithala Bank's future uncertain despite ANC's claims of victory
Despite ANC's announcement, the future of Ithala Bank is yet to be confirmed, as the provincial government has not been informed that it has been saved from liquidation. Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers The future of Ithala Bank still remains unclear as KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli says he was unaware of the developments announced by the ANC that it has successfully engaged with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, who agreed to save the bank from liquidation. Provincial Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Portfolio Committee Mafika Mndebele also expressed uncertainty about the bank's survival as it remained unclear whether it would be granted an exemption to continue operating. The ANC created a sense of relief after its announcement that it had engaged with Godongwana, who agreed to intervene and save the bank from being wiped off through liquidation. However, Ntuli told the media in an interview this week that his office was not aware of the positive developments announced by the ANC. Ntuli and the ANC were among many who were concerned about the South African Reserve Bank (SARB)'s Prudential Authority (PA) suspending the operation of the bank and freezing depositors' money pending the final liquidation court order. 'One is not aware of the new developments except that we are in court with both the PA and Repayment Authority (RA), as you will recall that Judge Mncube of the High Court KZN issued a judgment saying the PA and RA have no authority in the affairs of Ithala. 'They (PA and RA) appealed, and we are looking forward to the Supreme Court of Appeal, and in July, we will be in the Pietermaritzburg High Court again in the liquidation matter. That is the only information we know,' said Ntuli. He said the provincial government was continuing to engage President Cyril Ramaphosa and Godongwana. 'We have done everything to ensure that the PA and RA's hands are off Ithala. 'We are not aware, therefore, of the development; however, we continue to engage for the interest of the depositors and the institution,' said Ntuli. Godongwana had previously announced that he had made R2 billion available to protect the interests of depositors whose savings would be wiped out by the liquidation. 'As the custodian of depositors, I have taken a view that I should protect particularly those who have made savings between R100,000 and lower, and I have made available an amount of about R2 billion to ensure that whatever happens, their savings are protected,' said previously to the media. The ANC provincial convener, Jeff Radebe, told the media last week that he and the party's provincial coordinator, Michael Mabuyakhulu, engaged with Godongwana and reached an agreement that the bank will not be liquidated and the minister would fully guarantee all depositors. 'Our intervention was firmly aligned with the ANC's developmental agenda and our responsibility to protect institutions that uplift the people. 'We are pleased to report that, following these engagements, a breakthrough was reached: Ithala Bank will not be liquidated,' said Radebe in a statement. Mndebele said Mabuyakhulu briefed him about at least three engagements between the ANC and Godongwana. 'He (Mabuyakhulu) has reported that there will be money set aside for depositors to be guaranteed about their money. 'But as things stand, whether that would save Ithala from liquidation or not is another debate because, besides the issue of guarantors, there are other things that have been key in putting Ithala in the situation that it is in right now,' said Mndebele. He said the committee understood that the main issue was that Ithala be granted a banking licence 'because without a banking licence, it cannot be a bank right now'. 'While applying for the banking licence, Ithala must be given an exemption by the minister so that it could be able to operate. 'The RA and PA must then withdraw the case for liquidation because the case is still on. 'Engagement with the minister is necessary as the minister can play a key role in addressing these challenges,' he said. Mndebele said Mabuyakhulu promised to have another engagement with him 'so that we will do everything we can to deal with the matter'. He said he would not rush to brief the provincial Parliament about what Mabuyakhulu told him until Godongwana makes a public announcement. He said the portfolio committee should be briefed by the Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Department if there are any developments on the matter, 'because we play an oversight role over the department'. 'During our interaction with the department, the department furnished me with a report, which, when I look at it, suggests that Ithala is still in court fighting against its liquidation,' said Mndebele. Following the ANC's announcement, Cosatu expressed relief that the move, which the ANC announced, will save more than 400 jobs that were on the brink of being wiped off. 'It is critical that the Prudential Authority, Treasury, and the KZN provincial government work together to strengthen governance and internal controls, enhance compliance with banking regulations, and launch a turnaround strategy focused on accountability, transparency, and performance,' said the federation's national spokesperson, Zanele Sabela. 'The federation was also concerned about the impact the closure would have on Ithala's more than 257,000 depositors, who were workers and grant recipients,' said Sabela. [email protected]


The Citizen
8 hours ago
- The Citizen
When is the deadline to register for free basic electricity?
Free basic electricity worth 50 kWh will be given to low-income households who can prove they meet the qualifying criteria. Low-income households in Johannesburg have one month left to register for access to a free allocation of electricity. City Power launched the free basic electricity drive in early June, and the registration deadline will pass on 31 July. The municipal entity listed several qualifying criteria, with CEO Tshifularo Mashava stressing the drive was part of a wider commitment to service delivery. Free basic electricity Residents who successfully register will receive 50 kWh of electricity for free every month and will also be exempt from City Power's R230 surcharge. Additionally, tampered and bypassed meters will be fixed free of charge and without any penalties, and beneficiaries will also be considered for other municipal tariff rebates. Mashava stated that by registering, residents were helping the city combat illegal connections and a culture of non-payment. 'This programme is about equity, accountability, and financial sustainability. With your cooperation, we can ensure no household is unfairly disconnected and no customer abuses the system to the detriment of others,' said the CEO. She stressed that a grace period for the normalisation of tampered, bypassed, and damaged meters would be in place until the 31 July deadline. 'This isn't just about electricity, it's about dignity. It's about a warm meal, a child doing homework under a lightbulb,' she added. Qualification criteria FBE is aimed at Sassa recipients, households with a combined monthly income of less than R7 500, pensioners, the unemployed, vulnerable individuals, and child-headed households. To qualify, residents must: Be South African citizens or permanent residents Be the legal occupants of the property Have a valid South African identity document Provide proof of residence and a municipal account Prove household monthly income is less than the R7 500 threshold City Power have set a registration target of 130 000 indigent customers, but lamented that it had 140 000 non-vending customers who were still not paying for basic services. City Power will have pop-up registration kiosks throughout the drive, and those who feel they qualify may also inquire at malls, South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) pay points and ward councillor-led campaigns. 'There is now no excuse. If you qualify, register and receive free basic electricity. If you can afford to pay and refuse, we will begin a mass disconnection initiative where we will be removing our meters and other equipment,' said Mashava. 'We are ready to assist. Now, we need the public to act. We don't want anyone left behind,' the CEO concluded. NOW READ: Here's how to manage household electricity usage as municipal tariff increases kick in

IOL News
11 hours ago
- IOL News
Reimagining global trust: when truth isn't enough
As the digital age accelerates, the need to rebuild trust in data, governance and institutions grows more urgent. Image: AI Lab Trust is no longer just a social virtue. It is the operating system of modern society. Whether navigating a job search, accessing a social grant or questioning an election result, citizens rely on public data to make life-altering decisions. Yet across the globe, this trust is eroding. The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer found that 80% of people distrust information they encounter online. By 2030, 90% of humanity will be digitally connected but half will lack confidence in the systems that connect them. Trust has become both a currency and a casualty of the digital age. South Africa is no exception. In 2022, fake notices claiming that social grants would be suspended or reduced went viral on Facebook and TikTok, sparking widespread panic among vulnerable households. Despite SASSA's swift clarification, the misinformation revealed a deeper problem: when public data is unclear or inaccessible, trust quickly unravels. This erosion of trust is more than reputational. It is a barrier to investment, a risk to democratic stability and a threat to inclusive development. The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry estimates that mistrust in public institutions and data has cost the country R10 billion in annual investment and reduced GDP growth by 0.5%. Statistics South Africa is internationally recognised as the continent's leading statistical agency. Whilst in the 2022 Census and its most recent account of the nation it had a very high undercount, it transparently provided an account of where and how it got the high undercount and accordingly adjusted for this global record in undercount of population where estimates of undercount are undertaken. However, the recent out-of-the-blue public discourse of unemployment, including attendant reactions by influential figures, has highlighted a persistent challenge: not limited to the credibility of the data itself but unfounded allegations on methodological flaws, in how it is explained and understood across society. This misplaced critique by some in business and in politics is damaging for absolutely no sound science and represents deliberate smirching that will make the grey listing South Africa has had look like a kindergarten picnic. It undermines a credible and deserved opportunity to leverage statistical excellence as a means of bolstering public confidence and deepening civic participation. The situation is compounded by a long history of policy fatigue. Since 1994, more than seventy national development strategies have been launched but fewer than 15% offer publicly accessible closeout reports, according to a 2024 policy implementation review by the African Journal of Public Administration. These reports may exist in government archives or departmental repositories but their inaccessibility feeds perceptions of opacity and weakens accountability. In any healthy democracy, information must not only be available but also understandable. South Africa does not lack good institutions. It lacks systems that convert institutional excellence into public confidence. As the digital age accelerates, the need to rebuild trust in data, governance and institutions grows more urgent. But doing so requires more than digital tools. It demands public intelligibility. That is where artificial intelligence, if ethically governed, offers a real opportunity. Emerging technologies can help turn information into interpretation and interpretation into interaction. Yet they must be deployed not just for automation but for inclusion. For instance, mobile-first dashboards could simplify national statistics into plain-language summaries, charts and visual explainers. With over 80% mobile phone penetration in South Africa, scalable access is feasible. digital platform drove a 20% rise in public engagement. In rural areas, where 43% of people remain offline, community-based 'data ambassadors' could offer low-bandwidth formats in schools, clinics and cooperatives, drawing on models proven in Rwanda and Kenya. Other opportunities include AI-powered scorecards that track delivery, performance and budget discrepancies across departments. Rwanda's use of public performance scorecards improved district delivery by 25%, while Kenya's Presidential Delivery Tracker provides a live view of government performance. In South Africa, Auditor General and DPME systems could be enhanced in similar ways, turning technical reports into simplified, citizen facing updates. However, technology alone will not rebuild trust. That is why a national data literacy effort is needed to close the gap between statistical production and public understanding. According to the Human Sciences Research Council, only 35% of South Africans can interpret basic statistical information. This knowledge gap allows misinformation to flourish and reduces the public utility of even the most rigorous data. Bridging this divide would involve three key interventions: First, simplified digital dashboards, aligned with multilingual and mobile access, must be designed to meet people where they are. Second, civil society and public institutions can partner to train 'community data ambassadors' who explain government information in offline and under connected spaces. Third, youth engagement tools, such as AI-powered chatbots, could be embedded in schools and civic education programmes, making national data interactive, understandable and engaging. Research shows that data-literate citizens are 30% less likely to spread misinformation and far more likely to engage constructively in civic life. Boosting national data literacy from 35% to 50% by 2030 is both feasible and transformative. It would also counteract the growing threat of AI-generated disinformation, deepfakes and digitally enabled manipulation. Economically, the stakes are high. McKinsey estimates that trust-enhancing reforms could add $3 trillion to global GDP. In South Africa, restoring public confidence in government data and performance could unlock billions in investment, improve budgeting transparency and reduce the social costs of disinformation. Metrics matter. Dashboards, citizen feedback tools and real-time transparency indices, continuously updated, could help track government performance, institutional reliability and civic confidence. These are not distant ideas. Rwanda's governance benchmarks and the AUCPCC scorecard have already demonstrated that trust itself can be measured. Sceptics may argue that South Africa lacks the infrastructure, political alignment or financial capacity to pursue such a path. But this view underestimates what already exists. The country has five undersea fibre-optic cables, a growing digital talent base and internationally respected institutions such as Stats SA and the CSIR. It has strong privacy legislation in the form of POPIA. And it has civic platforms like Vulekamali already proving the appetite for accessible data. Trust does not require perfection. It requires participation. As the G20 confronts rising digital inequality and public scepticism worldwide, South Africa can lead not just in technological capability but in democratic design. The future will not belong to the most connected. It will belong to the most trusted. Nomvula Zeldah Mabuza is a Risk Governance and Compliance Specialist with extensive experience in strategic risk and industrial operations. She holds a Diploma in Business Management (Accounting) from Brunel University, UK, and is an MBA candidate at Henley Business School, South Africa. Nomvula Zeldah Mabuza is a Risk Governance and Compliance Specialist with extensive experience in strategic risk and industrial operations. She holds a Diploma in Business Management (Accounting) from Brunel University, UK, and is an MBA candidate at Henley Business School, South Africa. Image: Supplied