Free Data and Airtime – The South African government has launched a new digital support initiative for SASSA beneficiaries starting July 2025. Under this latest scheme, qualifying recipients of social grants will now receive free mobile data and airtime every month to help them stay connected and access essential services. The initiative, part of a broader effort to bridge the digital divide, aims to empower millions of low-income South Africans with access to online education, job applications, grant status tracking, and healthcare information—all without needing to spend money on mobile connectivity. This comes as a response to growing concerns that many vulnerable individuals and families remain digitally excluded due to the rising cost of mobile data. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, in partnership with SASSA and several major telecom providers, will now roll out free SIM card packages and monthly top-ups for eligible grant beneficiaries. This program complements the government’s long-term digital inclusion strategy and addresses the urgent need for reliable and affordable communication access across South Africa’s rural and township areas. The free data and airtime scheme is being tested in selected provinces in July, with national rollout expected in the coming months. Here’s a detailed look at how this plan works, who qualifies, how to apply, and what benefits you can expect.
Who Will Get Free Data and Airtime Under This Plan?
The government has set specific eligibility criteria for this program to ensure it reaches the right beneficiaries.
- All SASSA grant types are included: Old Age, Child Support, Disability, SRD R350, War Veterans, Foster Care.
- Only South African citizens with valid SA IDs can apply.
- Beneficiaries must have a working cellphone number registered in their name.
- Only one SIM card per household will be issued under this program.
- Beneficiaries must not already be receiving free mobile services from other public programs.
- Those living in rural or under-serviced areas will be prioritized.
- Participation in the pilot does not require additional registration if SASSA already has your mobile details.
Free Data and Airtime – Supported Provinces in Pilot Rollout
The July 2025 pilot phase is focused on testing efficiency and scalability in selected regions.
- Eastern Cape
- Limpopo
- Northern Cape
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Mpumalanga
Monthly Benefits Offered Through the Free Data and Airtime
Each registered and approved beneficiary will receive the following on a monthly basis.
| Service Type | Monthly Amount | Expiry Period | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Airtime | R100 | 30 Days | For local calls only |
| Free Data | 5GB | 30 Days | Non-transferable |
| Zero-Rated Websites | Unlimited | No Expiry | Access SASSA, job sites, gov info |
| WhatsApp Access | Free | 30 Days | Text only, no video/audio calls |
| USSD Balance Check | Free | Instant Access | For airtime/data balance inquiry |
| Emergency Data | 200MB | Rollover to next month | Triggered by network outage |
| Education Portals | Unlimited | While Valid | Zero-rated educational platforms |
| Health Info Access | Unlimited | While Valid | Department of Health apps |
How to Register for the Free Data and Airtime Program
If your phone number is already linked to your SASSA grant, you may be auto-enrolled. If not, you’ll need to take the following steps.
- Visit your nearest SASSA office or local post office branch.
- Bring your South African ID and proof of address.
- Provide your active mobile number registered under your ID.
- Fill out the free SIM registration form.
- You will be given a new SIM card (or your number will be verified if already compatible).
- Once approved, you’ll receive SMS confirmation and instructions for SIM activation.
Required Documents to Apply
Make sure you carry the following when registering:
| Document Type | Required For Registration |
|---|---|
| Original SA ID Book | Identity Verification |
| Proof of Grant Receipt | Eligibility Confirmation |
| Address Proof (Utility Bill, etc.) | Area Priority |
| Mobile SIM Ownership | RICA compliance |
Benefits of This Program for Low-Income Families
The government hopes this plan will improve digital inclusion and support access to key social services.
- Eliminates cost burden for communication among grant holders.
- Encourages use of online SASSA portals for updates, appeals, and reapplications.
- Enhances job search capacity by enabling free access to job boards and application sites.
- Provides school-going children with access to free learning platforms.
- Ensures families stay informed during emergencies (e.g., load shedding alerts).
- Helps reduce fraud by encouraging official app and website usage.
Telecom Companies Participating in the Rollout
The following mobile providers have partnered with the government to deliver this plan.
| Provider Name | Coverage Areas | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MTN | National | Leading in rural deployment |
| Vodacom | Urban and Township | Includes free WhatsApp bundle |
| Telkom Mobile | Township focused | Offers bonus airtime on recharge |
| Cell C | Select Provinces | Limited offer in pilot only |
| Rain | Digital-only regions | May require online verification |
Key Deadlines and Rollout Timeline
Initial launch and deadlines are province-specific but follow the timeline below:
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| 1 July 2025 | Official Pilot Launch in 5 Provinces |
| 5–15 July 2025 | Beneficiary SIM distribution |
| 20 July 2025 | SMS activation notifications sent |
| 25 July 2025 | Free services begin for verified users |
| 31 July 2025 | Registration closes for first batch |
| August–September | National rollout depending on pilot success |
How Will You Know If You’ve Been Approved?
SASSA and mobile providers will send an SMS to your registered phone number.
- SMS will come from a verified SASSA or Department of Communications ID.
- You’ll be asked to insert your new SIM card or verify your current one.
- Activation instructions will be provided via USSD or WhatsApp.
- Airtime and data benefits will appear automatically after activation.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
If you don’t receive the SMS or your SIM doesn’t work:
- Call the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11.
- Visit the nearest telecom service center with your ID and SIM.
- Make sure your mobile device supports data access and has no airtime/data blocks.
This new data and airtime plan marks a major milestone in South Africa’s push toward inclusive digital access. While the rollout may face logistical challenges, it’s a much-needed boost for families struggling with connectivity costs. Beneficiaries are encouraged to register early and take full advantage of this limited-period support plan while it lasts.
FAQs of Free Data and Airtime
Q1: Is the data and airtime offer permanent?
No. It is currently scheduled to run for 6 months, with possible extensions based on success.
Q2: Can I use the free airtime for international calls?
No, airtime is restricted to local voice calls only.
Q3: Can a household get more than one SIM?
No, the program allows one SIM per household.
Q4: Can I still get my normal SASSA grant if I don’t register for this program?
Yes. This data/airtime program is optional and does not affect your main grant.
Q5: Will I lose benefits if I change my number later?
Yes. Benefits are linked to the specific number and SIM used during registration.