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Some South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries say they arrived at the SASSA office in Athlone as early as 3am.
The number of South Africans relying on social grants has increased to 40.1% in 2025, totalling 25.4 million individuals. This is according to the latest General Household Survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).
The data also shows that the country’s official unemployment rate rose to 32.9% in the first quarter of 2025.
Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke says the data reflect a steady rise in social grant dependence over the years.
“The percentage of individuals that benefitted from social grants increased steadily from 12.8% in 2003 to approximately 31% between 2017 and 2019 before increasing to 40.1% in 2024… pensions sitting at 2.2 percent,” says Maluleke.
The survey also revealed a decline in salaries as the main source of income. In 2024, salaries accounted for 54.5% of household income, down from nearly 60% in 2009.
VIDEO | Breakdown of social grants: Statistician General
