By Thapelo Molefe
The Social Development Department has allocated 96% of its R294 billion budget to monthly transfers to over 27 million social grant recipients.
While the department praised its efforts to fight poverty and modernise social protection systems, the budget debate sparked strong responses across the political spectrum.
“This budget honours women pioneers who stood strong and sacrificed selflessly,” Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe said on Thursday.
“Through this budget, we commit ourselves to fulfil their aspiration of making our world a better place for all.”
Tolashe said that every month, more than 19 million social grants were paid without fail. A further R34.9 billion was earmarked for the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant.
African National Congress (ANC) MP Tshilidzi Munyai described the budget as fulfilling the promises of the Freedom Charter.
“This financial year, 2025–2026, R271 billion is budgeted for social grants… This will increase the
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