R38 billion by 2030: What MTBPS said about SASSA grants

Millions of recipients of SASSA grants were waiting with bated breath to glean any positive news from today’s (Wednesday 21 October) 2026 MTBPS. And Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana debuted a new term we’ll probably be hearing a lot: ‘targeted and responsible savings.’

2026 MTBPS ON SASSA GRANTS

On top of the R12 billion identified for SASSA grants in the February 2026 Budget, Treasury has unlocked a further R38 billion over the 2027 medium-term period. For clarity, this period spans a three-year fiscal horizon from 2027/28 through to 2029/30. Moreover, the minister says R13 billion of that is to come from ‘reducing fraud.’

From there, the 2026 MTBPS shares little detail on where and how this additional money will be allocated. Nevertheless, on a straight-line basis, R13 billion spread over three years is about R4.3 billion a year. And let’s not forget R1.33 billion in irregular payments was flagged by the Auditor-General this past financial year. Our takeaway is that South African Social Security Agency reviews, eLife certification and biometric matching will not only stay, but increase in voracity, to meet these targets.

SOUTH AFRICA’S SOCIAL SAFETY NET

More will be spent on the first 1 000 days of children’s lives through feeding schemes. Image: File

Godongwana reiterated that South Africa’s social wage is one of the most comprehensive on the continent. Spending on healthcare, education, SASSA grants, social development and housing, makes up 60% of government non-interest expenditure. “The budget funds a comprehensive social safety net for old-age, disability and child support to 18-million ‘core’ beneficiaries,” he said.

Moreover, government is allocating R1.6 billion over the 2027 medium-term period (till 2030) to focus on prebirth care. This means the first 1 000 days of life, aimed at tackling stunting and malnutrition. It isn’t a grant increase per say, but it does mean more help to Child Support SASSA grants.

TACKLE HIGH COST OF LIVING

While not directly related to SASSA grants, a few measures to tackle the high cost of living crushing South Africans were addressed. Specifically, the fuel levy will be cut by R3 a litre for diesel and R1.50 for petrol from November to December 2026. Then by R1.50 for diesel and R1 for petrol until January 2027. That’s R10 billion in forgone revenue for the Central Energy Fund (CEF).

Frustratingly, 2026 MTBPS made no mention of the ‘expanded SRD grant’ that’s supposed to morph into some kind of Basic Income Support for the nation’s unemployed. Even though Godongwana kicked that can down the road back in February 2026. As we know, the ‘temporary’ R370 grant is funded only until 31 March 2027. Perhaps the R38 billion allocation in his speech is what it’s earmarked for? And finally, no word on the potential trajectory of future grant increases in 2027 either …

But what do you think? Do you like what you heard from the minister about SASSA grants in his 2026 MTBPS? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below …