For many South Africans relying on social grants, 2025 has been anything but easy.

From delayed budget decisions affecting April’s grant increases to growing red tape around biometric verification, those who depend on SASSA have been left feeling abandoned.

But now, the people most affected by these policies are pushing back—loudly and publicly.

Tensions Erupt at Khayelitsha Community Meeting

In Khayelitsha this week, what was supposed to be a calm SASSA outreach session turned into a fiery showdown.

Dozens of social grant recipients showed up not just to listen, but to speak out.

They’d been told Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe would be there to hear them out—but she never showed up.

In her absence, Freddie Sidali, a SASSA official, chaired the meeting. Unfortunately, that didn’t go down well with many in the room.

“This Isn’t the Time”—But People Disagree

Sidali tried to steer the meeting away from thorny issues like long queues, application rejections, and lack of support.

“This is not the platform,” he said, making it clear that SASSA wouldn’t be engaging on those problems during this session.

But activist Sibongiseni Faku wasn’t having it.

She called the agency out for dodging real conversations.

“You can’t bring people together and then tell them their problems aren’t up for discussion,” she said.

The Struggles Are Real and Personal

Attendees shared stories that painted a grim picture of life as a SASSA beneficiary.

Some spoke of waking up at 3am just to join long lines outside the local office, hoping to be one of the few who actually gets help that day.

Sidali admitted there are just 26 staff members in the Khayelitsha branch, and each is expected to help only 20 people daily.

That’s around 500 clients a day, meaning many are simply turned away after hours of waiting.

The Disability Grant Dilemma

One of the recurring complaints was about how difficult it is to get approved for disability grants.

Several people shared how even with clear signs of illness or injury, they were denied help because government doctors refused to sign off on their applications.

This has left many struggling to survive without income or proper support, and no clear path forward.

Could Technology Offer a Way Forward?

In response to the chaos and long queues, one solution being considered is the introduction of self-service kiosks.

These would come equipped with a computer, scanner, and printer, allowing beneficiaries to complete basic tasks without needing to interact with overburdened staff—especially helpful for those without smartphones or internet access.

On the health front, there are also discussions about letting government doctors digitally access applicants’ medical histories.

This could help streamline and speed up disability grant approvals.

The Bigger Picture—and a Call for Accountability

For now, many grant recipients feel like they’re being let down at every turn—by systems, by red tape, and by officials who don’t show up when they say they will.

While SASSA claims it’s doing its best, those on the ground are seeing a very different reality.

If you’ve waited hours in a SASSA queue, or been turned away without help, you’re not alone.