For the 2025/26 financial year, the department will have nearly $16 billion to ensure the most vulnerable in the community are taken care of. Of this, $1.3 billion is allocated to the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) for grant administration over the medium term period. Tolashe says attempts are underway to create a basic income grant.

“We are forging ahead with processes to replace the covid-19 social relief of distress with a permanent measure in the form of a basic income support. Accordingly, we intend to re-table a policy proposal to cabinet. The additional element of this policy proposal is to link beneficiaries to employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities. We will draw on the success of the pilot project underway in collaboration with the Finmark Trust,” Tolashe said.

--SABC--