Barely a month into 2026, South Africa's educational and economic landscape has ignited intense public discourse, primarily centred around school placements and social grant eligibility.
Parents are increasingly contesting the placement processes for their children, sparking a wave of debate that has spilled onto social media. Simultaneously, allegations have emerged regarding changes to the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant policy by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), claiming that these amendments aim to extend eligibility to foreign nationals.
The firestorm began when social media posts alleged that SASSA had quietly altered the COVID-19 SRD grant policy. The posts specifically claimed that asylum seekers and holders of special permits would now be eligible for the R370 grant. This has led to widespread public outrage and raised questions about the true qualifications for receiving the grant.
BREAKING NEWS: SASSA has updated its policy to allow foreigners to get South African tax payers money under the guise of Asylum Seekers and Special Permit Holders, meanwhile South Africans struggle to get paid. pic.twitter.com/EADEi5VmHq
— PSAFLIVE (@PSAFLIVE) January 18, 2026
Many South Africans responded with a mix of frustration and anger, highlighting stories where their own SRD applications were declined while foreign nationals reportedly qualified for the same grant. The feeling that limited state resources should prioritise citizens has resonated deeply, exacerbated by long payment delays, high rejection rates, and increasing unemployment.
MEDIA STATMENT| SASSA provides clarity on qualification criteria for COVID-19 SRD@The_DSD pic.twitter.com/6gOEYevGYx
— SASSA (@OfficialSASSA) January 19, 2026
ActionSA president Herman Mashaba echoed these sentiments, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to express his discontent. He tweeted, “So, our tax is paying the whole of Africa, while our people are rejected.”
So, our Tax is paying the whole of Africa, while our people are rejected. https://t.co/56bPau1Kk3
— Herman Mashaba (@HermanMashaba) January 20, 2026
However, on 19 January 2026, SASSA issued a press release aiming to quell the circulating misinformation. The agency firmly maintained that there had been no change to the eligibility criteria for the grant. According to SASSA, the rules remain focused on South African citizens, permanent residents, recognised refugees, asylum seekers, and special permit holders with valid documentation.
“The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) notes with concern information circulating on social media platforms that the Agency has updated its policy to allow foreign nationals to get South African taxpayers’ money under the guise of being asylum seekers and special permit holders. This information is incorrect, misleading and may cause unnecessary confusion to social grant beneficiaries and the public at large,” the statement read.
Despite SASSA’s efforts to clarify the situation, many South Africans remain sceptical. Critics argue that the agency is merely reiterating its own version of 'misinformation,' questioning why citizens are still experiencing difficulties in securing relief while foreign nationals allegedly qualify with ease.
Social Grants should be given to poor South Africans 🇿🇦 ONLY. Period!! https://t.co/IDrCRX4Vn4
— Simon Sithole (@Simon_Sithole20) January 20, 2026
The ongoing turmoil reflects a broader concern within society about access to limited state resources and the need for clearer, citizen-first policies. As the debate continues, parents, citizens, and various social groups are calling for transparency and reform to ensure that South African citizens are adequately supported in a challenging economic climate.
This unfolding situation underscores the urgency of addressing the complexities surrounding social grants while fostering trust between government institutions and the public. As discussions around these critical issues evolve, the country remains on high alert, navigating a delicate balance between compassion for foreign nationals and the rights and needs of its citizens.
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