The African Arena

SASSA Grant Payments – In a surprising and welcome move, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially confirmed that over 3 million pensioners will receive bonus grants and double payments in July 2025. This unexpected announcement has brought a wave of relief and excitement among elderly beneficiaries who depend on monthly grants for … Read more

Stage 6 Load Shedding – South Africans are once again bracing for intensified electricity disruptions as Eskom confirms the return of Stage 6 load shedding this week. With the national grid under extreme pressure due to multiple unit breakdowns and depleted emergency reserves, residents across the country are set to face longer and more frequent … Read more

New School Law – Starting January 2025, a major shift in South Africa’s education policy will make it mandatory for all children to start formal schooling at the age of 5. This move, introduced by the Department of Basic Education, aims to increase early childhood literacy and reduce long-term dropout rates. But the law comes … Read more

Pretoria Blackout – As power challenges continue to affect South Africa, a major blackout has been officially scheduled in Pretoria for 13 July 2025. The government and Tshwane municipal authorities have confirmed that several key transformers across the city will be shut down simultaneously for emergency maintenance and load redistribution. This planned blackout is expected … Read more

SASSA Grant Suspensions – The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is launching a nationwide crackdown on identity fraud starting 1 July 2025. Thousands of grant beneficiaries could lose their monthly payments if flagged during the verification sweep. If you rely on a Child Support Grant, Older Person’s Grant, Disability Grant, or any other SASSA … Read more

SASSA Gold Card – South Africans who rely on the SASSA Gold Card to receive their monthly grants must take urgent action before September 30, 2025. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has issued a nationwide alert that failure to replace expiring Gold Cards by the deadline could result in the complete suspension of … Read more

Free Monthly Electricity Units – In a major step towards energy equity and social relief, the South African government has announced a new nationwide plan that promises free monthly electricity units for all SASSA-registered families starting in 2025. With over 6 million households expected to benefit, this initiative forms part of a larger “Load Reduction … Read more

Basic Income Grant Plus Free Utilities Pilot – The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially launched its ambitious pilot program combining a R2,500 Basic Income Grant (BIG) with free electricity and water utility support. This program, which is now active in five provinces starting July 2025, is part of a broader national effort … Read more

SASSA Child Support Grant – South African parents relying on the SASSA Child Support Grant can breathe a little easier in 2025. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially confirmed that the monthly R510 Child Support Grant will continue throughout the year. In a surprising turn, a festive bonus of R500 is also … Read more

QR Code System – In a major move to modernize social welfare payments, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced that all grant withdrawals will shift to a QR code-based system by January 15, 2026. This initiative aims to replace the traditional SASSA gold cards, which are gradually being phased out due to … Read more