SASSA’S COMMITMENT TO SHIFTING THE NARRATIVE

Cuma Pantshwa

• Without social grants, income distribution in South Africa would be severely skewed, leaving those at the lower end of the income spectrum in a more challenging position, emphasising the importance of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in the social support system.
• During a roundtable discussion on “Linking Social Protection Beneficiaries to Sustainable Livelihoods,” CEO Ms Totsie Busisiwe Memela Khambula highlighted the urgent need for SASSA to move beyond financial aid to empower beneficiaries.
• The Generating Better Livelihoods (GBL) Pilot Project aims to create a comprehensive support system that promotes self-reliance, financial literacy, and community empowerment, addressing the long-term needs of beneficiaries.

Without social grants, income distribution in South Africa would be severely skewed, leaving those at the lower end of the income spectrum in a more challenging position. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has been a cornerstone of the country’s social support system, transforming millions of lives since its inception. However, as highlighted in her speech at the Round Table Discussion aimed at “Linking Social Protection Beneficiaries to Sustainable Livelihoods,” Ms Totsie Busisiwe Memela Khambula, CEO of SASSA, noted that the agency recognises the urgent need to move beyond financial aid.

Established in 1994, SASSA’s initial social grants system supported approximately 2.5 million people, primarily through old-age and disability grants. Today, the agency pays out over 26 million grants each month, reaching nearly half of the population. Reflecting on the evolution of social grants and their impact on vulnerable groups, Ms Memela Khambula remarked that SASSA has significantly expanded its reach, particularly with the introduction of the Child Support Grant in 1998. This grant has grown from 353,000 recipients in its first year to over 13 million today. “This grant has been instrumental in reducing child poverty and improving educational outcomes,” she told attendees.

The shift from financial support to empowering beneficiaries to achieve self-reliance and actively contribute to their communities is part of SASSA’s mission. In alignment with the DSD-led initiative, the Generating Better Livelihoods (GBL) Pilot Project, she stated, “We aim to create comprehensive support systems that not only address immediate needs but also enable long-term growth and self-sufficiency. With the NDA and other development partners providing critical training and financial support, and SASSA offering direct beneficiary engagement—as well as serving as the access point—we may be beginning to lay the foundation for lasting impact.”

Reflecting on past interventions, she emphasised that a successful approach to sustainable livelihoods goes beyond simply providing skills or resources. She detailed the various initiatives launched by SASSA to support beneficiaries. Drawing from lessons learned, she noted that past initiatives encountered challenges and required a foundation of self-awareness and personal growth for beneficiaries to fully realise their potential. “The initiatives we are now embarking on include a key component of psychosocial support, which benefits each participant by providing the space to grow personally and gain a deeper understanding of themselves—their strengths, interests, and aspirations,” said Ms Memela Khambula.

These initiatives now include coaching, enabling beneficiaries to set personal goals and identify pathways that are meaningful to them. “This paves the way for customised interventions that align with their personal aspirations, whether in employment, skills development, or entrepreneurship.” She explained that exploration helps participants find sustainable livelihoods that resonate with their unique goals and abilities, leading to greater resilience and long-term success.

Ms Memela Khambula stressed SASSA’s commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty and acknowledged the importance of partnerships in achieving that mission. She noted that the Generating Better Livelihoods Pilot Project is a collaborative effort facilitated by FinMark Trust in partnership with the DSD, aiming to create an integrated support system that aligns training with labour market needs, promotes financial literacy, and empowers entire communities. “This empowers them to shift their narrative toward one of ownership and purpose. We’re empowering beneficiaries to build sustainable livelihoods through job training, entrepreneurial development, and financial inclusion initiatives.”

In conclusion, she remarked that the pilot project aligns with the DSD’s theme of strengthening families to rise above poverty. Ms Memela Khambula told delegates that eradicating poverty involves not only providing social grants but also nurturing mental wellness and enabling families to build sustainable livelihoods, which are key to sustainable progress and empowering the vulnerable.