ActionSA.Ward83

SASSA Confirms Thousands of Foreign Nationals Have Received COVID-19 SRD Grants Since 2022 Under Longstanding Regulations As of 1 January 2026, SASSA received 14 135 non-citizen applications, approving 8 368 and paying 2 690. The South African Social Security Agency has dismissed claims circulating on social media that foreign nationals have been newly permitted to access the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant. In a statement issued on 19 January 2026, SASSA said the information was false, misleading, and risked confusing beneficiaries and the public. SASSA confirmed that no policies or regulations governing the COVID-19 SRD had been amended. It said no announcements on changes were made by the Minister of Finance during the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement or by Social Development Minister Sisisi Nokuzola Tolashe during her Budget Vote Speech. The agency reiterated that eligibility criteria published in 2022 remain in force. Qualifying applicants include South African citizens, permanent residents, refugees, holders of specified exemption permits, and asylum seekers with valid documentation. As of 1 January 2026, SASSA received 14 135 applications from qualifying non-citizens, approving 8 368 and paying 2 690. SASSA CEO Themba Matlou urged the public to verify information through official government channels before sharing it. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to administering social assistance in line with the Social Assistance Act of 2004, ensuring support reaches eligible and vulnerable individuals lawfully.

This morning I’m meeting with Adv Gerrie Nel and AfriForum’s private prosecution unit to discuss corruption-busting measures for Tshwane - from the stalled Edwin Sodi/Rooiwal case to the explosion in tanker spending under the ANC/EFF coalition.