Skyrocketing SASSA SRD applications in 2025 ‘worrisome’
Following confirmation of its ‘extension and expansion,’ SASSA SRD applications in 2025 have skyrocketed. But at what cost?
An understaffed and poorly trained South African Social Security Agency is losing the battle against SASSA SRD applications in 2025. This follows recent revelations from SASSA acting CEO Temba Matlou that the agency is suffering from severe staff shortages.
Specifically, the failed Postbank gold-to-black card migratio has grabbed headlines of late. But now SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi reveals that there have been more than 165 000 new monthly SASSA SRD applications in 2025, reports GroundUp.
SASSA SRD APPLICATIONS IN 2025
Furthermore, this month’s delayed Budget Speech gave the green-light to extend SASSA SRD applications in 2025 beyond March. Approximately 9-million residents already receive the R370-a-month Social Relief of Distress grant. Therefore, the agency was taken to court for actively trying to limit the number of successful applicants to keep within budget. After losing that case, government has given notice to appeal against the judgment they believe to be ‘flawed.’
Since SRD was first introduced in May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of applications has steadily risen. However, it’s only been labelled a ‘temporary’ grant all these years. The average increase is around 80 000 per month. However, in January 2025 as many as 168 071 new applications were received. Not only is the unsustainable, but economists predict the grant would need to grow by R36 billion to pay out to everyone.
INSIGHTS FROM STATS SA
According to Stats SA, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has the highest number of SRD grant applications – 4.4 million. Next is Gauteng with 3.2 million, followed by the Eastern Cape (EC) with 2 million. Unsurprisingly, this correlates with the unemployment rates of the respective provinces. 42% in Gauteng and 34% and 30% in KZN and EC, respectively.
- 9.3 million of total applications submitted are women, versus 8 million from men.
- SASSA SRD applications in 2025 are 62% from those aged 18 to 35.
- More than 80% (7.5 million) of applicants have a Grade 10 or matric qualifications.
- 945 000 of applicants have a tertiary education.
SHOULD SASSA SRD BE EXTENDED OR DONE AWAY WITH?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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