SASSA Disability Grant Under Fire as Khayelitsha Residents Speak Out

Khayelitsha Residents Call out SASSA as Disability Grant Scandal Unfolds

What was meant to be a straightforward government outreach meeting in Khayelitsha quickly turned into a fiery town hall, as community members confronted Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe over long-standing issues with the SASSA Disability Grant.

From frustrated beneficiaries to under-resourced clinics and cries for better youth services, the message was clear: the system is failing the very people it’s meant to protect.

Fewer Recipients, Bigger Problems

Although less than a million South Africans currently receive the SASSA Disability Grant, the pressure on the system is mounting. Unlike the Child Support and Older Persons grants, which cater to millions, the disability grant has more complex eligibility criteria — including medical assessments, income checks, and government doctor sign-off.

But what happens when the assessments aren’t being done properly?

Minister Tolashe confirmed that an investigation is now underway following allegations that unqualified individuals are slipping through the cracks — while those who genuinely need the grant are being rejected. The department has begun recruiting doctors on three-year contracts to improve medical screenings and restore faith in the process.

‘We Want Fairness, Not Court Battles’

Speaking to the Khayelitsha crowd, Tolashe made it clear: the department doesn’t want to end up in court for denying rightful applicants. But at the same time, she insisted that grant money can’t be dished out to those with fraudulent documents or unverified income.

This year alone, SASSA has introduced tighter ID and income checks — a move that has sparked criticism among some who feel excluded or unfairly treated. Still, officials say they’re committed to the standard three-month review process and are simply trying to protect taxpayer money.

Grievances Beyond the Grant

While the disability grant was a central issue, residents raised a host of other concerns:

• Elder abuse and the extortion of vulnerable beneficiaries

• Unemployment, particularly among the youth

• Lack of SASSA staff and service points in areas like Khayelitsha

• The R370 SRD grant — many say it’s simply not enough to survive on

• No youth camps or development programmes, leaving young people adrift

The meeting, which started late and came after the minister failed to appear at a previous engagement, was emotionally charged. But it gave residents a rare opportunity to speak directly to government — and they didn’t hold back.

Social Media Says: “We’ve Had Enough”

Across platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), public sentiment mirrored the frustrations seen on the ground. One user posted, “We don’t want promises. We want clinics that work and grants that are fair.” Another said, “Why does it take a public outcry for government to listen?”

While Minister Tolashe’s acknowledgment of the issues was welcomed, the community is waiting for real change, not just reassurances.

Looking Ahead: Will the Fix Stick?

The recruitment of new doctors and the promise of fairer assessments are steps in the right direction — but they come years after concerns about the disability grant first surfaced.

Whether the latest probe will bring long-term change or fade into another forgotten headline remains to be seen. For communities like Khayelitsha, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Lives and livelihoods depend on it.

Source:The South African

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com