As of late January 2026, the South African government is supporting over 9.2 million social grant beneficiaries through the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). This is part of its performance review for the April–September 2025 reporting period under the 2024–2029 Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP).
In addition to SASSA grants, government is providing food relief, early childhood development (ECD) support, GBV services, and human settlement interventions.
Why it matters to you
This update shows the range of national support currently available for vulnerable individuals and households. It helps you check if you or your family may qualify for any of the following:
- Social grants via SASSA
- Food and nutrition support
- Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme access
- Psycho-social support for victims of gender-based violence
- Housing or serviced site allocations
- Title deed restoration
What you need to know
Below is a breakdown of key government support interventions and progress as of January 2026:
Social grants and food relief
- 9.2 million social grants disbursed through SASSA
- 452,302 individuals received food and nutrition support
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) services
- 120,935 victims of GBV received psycho-social services
- Support included Thuthuzela Centres, GBV desks, and Victim-Friendly Facilities at police stations
Education and Early Childhood Development (ECD)
- Over 1.3 million children enrolled in ECD programmes
- More than 10,000 new ECD centres added (above target)
- 97% of school sanitation projects completed
- Concerns raised about low mathematics enrolment
Health
- 96% HIV viral suppression rate
- 76.8% TB treatment success
- 79% ART (antiretroviral therapy) coverage (below 85% target)
- NHI governance structures progressing despite ongoing litigation
Housing and settlements
- 7,028 housing units delivered (only 27% of target met)
- 12,623 serviced sites completed
- 8,014 title deeds issued (halfway to annual target)
- Call to fast-track title deed digitalisation and improve coordination across departments
What you should do next
If you or your household could benefit from any of the listed services, here’s how to proceed:
| Support Type | What To Do |
|---|---|
| Social Grants (SASSA) | Visit your nearest SASSA office or check eligibility at sassa.gov.za |
| Food and Nutrition Relief | Contact your municipality or ward councillor for local distribution info |
| ECD Programme Access | Enquire at local ECD centres or provincial education department |
| GBV Psycho-Social Services | Contact a Thuthuzela Centre or your nearest police station |
| Housing / Serviced Sites | Register at your local housing office or check with the Department of Human Settlements |
| Title Deeds / Restoration | Follow up with your local municipality housing department |
Where to get help / official sources
- SASSA: www.sassa.gov.za
- Department of Social Development: www.dsd.gov.za
- Department of Basic Education (ECD): www.education.gov.za
- Department of Human Settlements: www.dhs.gov.za
- Thuthuzela Care Centres: www.npa.gov.za
- National GBV Command Centre: Call 0800 428 428 (24/7)
What is happening?
As of late January 2026, the South African government is supporting over 9.2 million social grant beneficiaries through the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). This is part of its performance review for the April–September 2025 reporting period under the 2024–2029 Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP).
In addition to SASSA grants, government is providing food relief, early childhood development (ECD) support, GBV services, and human settlement interventions.
Why it matters to you
This update shows the range of national support currently available for vulnerable individuals and households. It helps you check if you or your family may qualify for any of the following:
- Social grants via SASSA
- Food and nutrition support
- Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme access
- Psycho-social support for victims of gender-based violence
- Housing or serviced site allocations
- Title deed restoration
What you need to know
Below is a breakdown of key government support interventions and progress as of January 2026:
Social grants and food relief
- 9.2 million social grants disbursed through SASSA
- 452,302 individuals received food and nutrition support
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) services
- 120,935 victims of GBV received psycho-social services
- Support included Thuthuzela Centres, GBV desks, and Victim-Friendly Facilities at police stations
Education and Early Childhood Development (ECD)
- Over 1.3 million children enrolled in ECD programmes
- More than 10,000 new ECD centres added (above target)
- 97% of school sanitation projects completed
- Concerns raised about low mathematics enrolment
Health
- 96% HIV viral suppression rate
- 76.8% TB treatment success
- 79% ART (antiretroviral therapy) coverage (below 85% target)
- NHI governance structures progressing despite ongoing litigation
Housing and settlements
- 7,028 housing units delivered (only 27% of target met)
- 12,623 serviced sites completed
- 8,014 title deeds issued (halfway to annual target)
- Call to fast-track title deed digitalisation and improve coordination across departments
What you should do next
If you or your household could benefit from any of the listed services, here’s how to proceed:
| Support Type | What To Do |
|---|---|
| Social Grants (SASSA) | Visit your nearest SASSA office or check eligibility at sassa.gov.za |
| Food and Nutrition Relief | Contact your municipality or ward councillor for local distribution info |
| ECD Programme Access | Enquire at local ECD centres or provincial education department |
| GBV Psycho-Social Services | Contact a Thuthuzela Centre or your nearest police station |
| Housing / Serviced Sites | Register at your local housing office or check with the Department of Human Settlements |
| Title Deeds / Restoration | Follow up with your local municipality housing department |
Where to get help / official sources
- SASSA: www.sassa.gov.za
- Department of Social Development: www.dsd.gov.za
- Department of Basic Education (ECD): www.education.gov.za
- Department of Human Settlements: www.dhs.gov.za
- Thuthuzela Care Centres: www.npa.gov.za
- National GBV Command Centre: Call 0800 428 428 (24/7)
