SASSA celebrates matriculants of 2024
SASSA celebrates matriculants of 2024 and pledges to improve its services in the coming year. But there’s a catch …
It might sound strange to hear that SASSA celebrates matriculants from the 2024 class. I mean, why would the South African Social Security Agency, the distributor of social welfare to nearly 45% of the local population, care about matriculants? Well, as part of Minister Tolashe’s charm offensive at a manager’s session this week, she took time to praise last year’s school leavers.
In a media statement published on the agency’s social media, she said SASSA celebrates matriculants and wishes them well in their future tertiary endevours. Many of the 2024 matriculant class are social grant beneficiaries. In fact, 572 338 school leavers were on SASSA Child Support grants (this ceases at the age of 18). Out of all 724 156 full-time learners registered for a National Senior Certificate (NSC), that equates to more than 80%.
SASSA CELEBRATES MATRICULANTS
Furthermore, Minister Tolashe revealed these learners achieved a commendable 86% pass rate. “This indicates the investment the government is making in the lives of these vulnerable children is yielding positive results. Specifically, in breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty,” said the minister.
As we’ve reported before, if a poor family was to register a new-born child for SASSA Child Support from birth all the way to their 18th birthday, that child would cost government approximately R135 550 to raise. This factors in only a conservative 5% social welfare increase annually.
TOUGH OUTLOOK FOR 2025
However, even though SASSA celebrates matriculants from last year, the minister acknowledges the dark clouds looming over the agency in 2025. She said the department needs to urgently address a lack of high-level permanent leadership at SASSA. The minister had the unenviable task of suspending (with full pay) the SASSA CEO late last year.
Moreover, Minister Tolashe wants to prioritise community outreach programs. And has tasked acting CEO Matlou with modernising its payment systems. No easy task after this week’s Gauteng High Court ruling that Social Relief of Distress regulations have been ‘unlawfully’ excluding residents from SASSA grants since 2023.
CONTACT SASSA
Finally, the minister concluded by saying: “We (SASSA) commit ourselves to work with you. We are available at all times to address the challenges together. We all need to be solution-driven to change the lives of our people through concerted effort,” said the minister. You can contact the agency through the following channels:
- SASSA Toll-Free Call: 0800 60 10 11
- SASSA Head Office: 012 400 2322
- Email SASSA: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
- Or contact the Office of the Presidency: president@presidency.gov.za
WILL SASSA SURVIVE THE STRUGGLES IT’S GOING THROUGH?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. Or WhatsApp your thoughts on this article to 060 011 0211. Don’t forget to follow The South African for the latest FREE-to-read content.