Music is more than entertainment for many artists, it is a way of telling stories, expressing emotions and connecting with people. On Sakhisizwe, we sat down with soulful singer and songwriter Enkosi Camagu, an artist from East London who is signed to Lekasi Records and continues to develop his craft through arts development at Acme Arts Works.
Reflecting on his musical journey, Camagu spoke about how far he has come and the people who have supported him along the way. For him, the journey has not always been easy, but the challenges have helped him grow both as an artist and as a person.“Through my craft, I serve. Through the lyrics that I’ve entailed, I served.”
Camagu explained that his faith, dreams and experiences continue to inspire his songwriting. He shared how he takes the different experiences and obstacles in his life and turns them into music and stories.His approach to creativity is also influenced by his mother, who taught him the importance of capturing ideas as they come before shaping them into something meaningful. For Enkosi, this process reflects the life of a creative taking experiences, people and emotions and transforming them into art.
Joining him was Khanyisile, the second vocalist and manager of the Research Band, who spoke about the importance of collaboration. According to Khanyisile, music brought the group together because of their shared passion and desire to create.“Music is a very communal sport it requires you to collaborate a lot.”The pair also highlighted the importance of humility when working with other creatives. They acknowledged that disagreements and criticism are part of any creative relationship, but being willing to listen, accept correction and put one’s ego aside can help a team grow.For the Research Band, three values are particularly important: transparency, communication and integrity. Khanyisile believes that these qualities help creatives understand one another and work towards a common goal.“The only way to grow is through correction, not perfection.”
The interview also explored the role of music as a form of self-expression.Enkosi described performing as opening a book about who he is, with every page representing different parts of his identity from poetry and rap to singing and melodies.The artists also gave listeners a taste of their work through a live performance in the studio, bringing the conversation about creativity to life.
Looking ahead, Enkosi revealed that he and his team are working towards a new project, although they are still deciding whether it will be released as an EP or an album. He emphasised that the project is not the work of one person, but a collective effort involving band members, producers, his manager and other creatives.The conversation also touched on an important issue facing many emerging artists, understanding the business side of the music industry. Khanyisile addressed that artists do not necessarily need to master music theory, but they should understand the music business, including contracts, negotiations, administration and how to navigate professional spaces.“Knowledge is power.”
For young and upcoming artists, the message from the conversation was clear talent is important, but growth also requires learning, collaboration, humility and understanding the industry.As Enkosi Camagu prepares for the next chapter of his musical journey, his message to listeners is captured in one word Khanyisa, meaning be the light wherever you are.
In an industry where artists can easily become discouraged by challenges and uncertainty, Enkosi’s journey is a reminder that creativity can be a powerful way to turn life’s experiences into something meaningful while inspiring others along the way.
Catch more conversations like this on Sakhisizwe, only on Bush Radio 89.5 FM the Mother of Community Radio.
Choosing a career is one of the biggest decisions young
people face, yet many leave school without enough guidance about the different
career paths, skills and opportunities available to them. This was the focus in
Sakhisizwe discussion on Bush Radio 89.5 FM, which explored how young people
can make informed career choices and gain the skills needed to enter the world
of work.
The discussion brought together Jerimia Thuynsma - Mitchells
Plain Community Advice & Development Project, Career Coach Candice Black,
Natasha McEwan Marriott and Lithemba Cetywayo from the SOZO foundation, and
Gabriel Hamuy from the Salesian Institute. The guests shared their experiences
and highlighted the different ways organisations are helping young people
overcome the gap between education and employment.
Jerimia explained that the Mitchell’s Plain Advice Office
became involved in career development after seeing many young people struggling
with unemployment and being outside education or training. The organisation now
works with younger learners through career programmes, including psychometric
assessments and career exhibitions. These initiatives introduce learners to
careers they may not have known about and help them make better decisions about
subjects and future studies.
Career coach Candice emphasised the importance of
self-awareness when choosing a career. She encouraged young people to ask
themselves what they enjoy, what they are naturally good at, what problems they
want to help solve and what they want from their future. She also encouraged
young people to explore opportunities through volunteering, internships, job
shadowing, part-time work and speaking to people already working in fields that
interest them.
The Sozo Foundation, represented by Natasha and Lethemba, shared
how its programmes support young people through education, vocational training
and entrepreneurship. Their programmes include academic support, second-chance
opportunities for matric learners, vocational courses such as baking,
hairdressing, beauty and barista training, as well as entrepreneurship
development. They also assist young people with job readiness, CV preparation,
interview skills, mentorship and employment placements.
Gabriel from the Salesian Institute spoke about the
organisation’s focus on skills development, particularly in areas such as
renewable energy and entrepreneurship. He explained that many young people
enter programmes without knowing exactly what they want to do. Salesians
therefore uses life-skills programmes, psychometric testing, wellness support,
mentorship, workplace exposure and internships to help participants discover
their strengths and find suitable career paths. A major point raised during the
discussion was the importance of matching young people with the right opportunities.
The guests noted that financial pressure can sometimes push
young people into courses or jobs simply because an opportunity is available.
However, when a person’s interests, strengths and skills are aligned with an
opportunity, they are more likely to stay committed and succeed.
The panel also stressed that career development should not
only begin when young people are about to leave school. Early exposure to
different careers, access to career guidance and psychometric assessments can
help learners make informed decisions before choosing subjects or further
education.
The discussion ended with an important message for young
people that you do not need to have your entire career mapped out today. Take
the time to understand yourself, explore different opportunities, develop
useful skills and learn from every experience. With the right guidance,
mentorship and determination, young people can take meaningful steps towards
building careers and futures that match their potential.
Human Papilloma Virus, commonly known as HPV, remains one of the most
common yet widely misunderstood health issues affecting communities. We spoke
to Onalenna Thobega, a registered nurse from the Cancer Association of South
Africa (CANSA), to unpack the realities of HPV, the stigma surrounding it, and
the importance of vaccination and early prevention.
HPV is a virus that is often associated only with sexual transmission.
However, Onalenna explained that HPV is a skin to skin virus and can be
transmitted through different forms of contact. She highlighted that there are
more than 100 strains of HPV, with some considered low-risk and others
classified as high-risk because of their links to certain cancers.One of the
biggest misconceptions is that HPV only affects women. While HPV is strongly
associated with cervical cancer, Onalenna adressed that both men and
women can carry the virus. This is why conversations around HPV vaccination
should include boys as well as girls.
The HPV vaccine is available to children from around the age of nine,
with vaccination programmes targeting young people before they may be exposed
to the virus. Thobega explained that the purpose of vaccinating children is
prevention and protection before possible exposure.
However, stigma and misinformation continue to influence parents'
decisions about vaccination. Some parents may believe that giving a child the
HPV vaccine encourages early sexual activity. Thobega said that education is key
to addressing these concerns and helping parents understand that vaccination is
primarily about preventing HPV-related diseases and cancers.
She also identified a lack of health education as one of the major
barriers to HPV prevention in communities. Language barriers and limited access
to reliable health information can make it difficult for some parents to
understand what HPV is and why vaccination matters.
For Onalenna, one of the best ways to tackle these challenges is to
normalise conversations about HPV. Schools, healthcare workers, community
programmes and media platforms such as radio can all play a role in providing
accurate information. She encouraged people who are uncertain about HPV to
visit their nearest clinic and speak to healthcare professionals rather than
relying on myths and misinformation.
CANSA also contributes to awareness through community outreach
programmes, health talks, campaigns and screening initiatives. These activities
provide opportunities to educate communities about different types of cancer
and the role HPV can play in cancer development.
Thobega's message to listeners was simple, "prevention is better
than cure." She encouraged people to get vaccinated where eligible and for
women to attend regular cervical screening, including Pap smears, as part of
early detection and prevention.She also clarified that an HPV diagnosis does
not mean there is no treatment available. Treatment depends on the individual's
condition and the extent of the infection.
As conversations about HPV continue, education remains one of the most
important tools in breaking the stigma. Understanding that HPV is not
exclusively a sexually transmitted infection, that it can affect both men and
women, and that vaccination can help prevent HPV-related cancers can empower
communities to make informed health decisions.
The message from today’s conversation is clear. Talk about HPV, learn
the facts, get vaccinated where appropriate, and prioritise regular screening.
Prevention starts with knowledge.For more information about HPV, cancer
prevention and screening, listeners can visit the Cancer Association of
South Africa at cancer.org.za or
contact its toll-free helpline on 0800 22 66 22.
Stories have the power to change perspectives, and few people understand that. Sumarie Jordaan an accomplished television presenter, media personality and storyteller, Sumarie uses her platform to champion accessibility, inclusion and disability awareness, drawing on her lived experience to inspire meaningful conversations and positive change.
Living with cerebral palsy and hearing impairment, Sumarie shared her journey of overcoming barriers in the entertainment industry, challenging misconceptions about disability, and using her platform to promote inclusion.
She spoke about the importance of self-acceptance, independent mobility, and creating opportunities for meaningful conversations that help break down stereotypes.
Sumarie also reflected on the influence of her twin sister, a Paralympic athlete, and shared how mentorship and positive role models can become powerful support systems for those facing challenges.
She highlighted the need for greater representation of people with disabilities in media and advertising, encouraging society to focus on people's abilities rather than their limitations.One of the most touching moments of the conversation was Sumarie's story about supporting a young woman with a disability who was struggling emotionally. The experience reinforced her belief that compassion, representation, and genuine human connection can offer hope and inspire positive change.
As a Miss Deaf South Africa finalist and passionate storyteller, Sumarie continues to advocate for a more inclusive South Africa one where people with disabilities are recognised for their talents, valued for their contributions, and empowered to live with confidence, dignity, and independence.
Her message was clear , disability does not define a person's potential. By embracing inclusion, challenging perceptions, and supporting one another, we can build communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
As our conversation with Sumarie Jordaan came to a close, one message stood out above all.
Disability should never define a person's potential. Through her resilience, advocacy, and commitment to creating a more inclusive society, Sumarie continues to challenge perceptions and inspire others to embrace their own strengths.
Her story reminds us that meaningful change begins with understanding, representation, and compassion. By seeing people for their abilities rather than their limitations, we can all help build a South Africa where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity, confidence, and purpose.
During a recent radio interview, Nondumiso Sigonyelafrom SASSA and Thandi Hankeman fromBlack Sash shared crucial information aimed at empowering communities with knowledge about social grants, access to services, and citizens’ constitutional rights in South Africa.
One of the key messages emphasized throughout the discussion is that social grants are not a favour from the government, but a constitutional right. Every person who qualifies for a grant is entitled to receive it with dignity, fairness, and transparency.
Improving Access to SASSA Services
Nondumiso Sigonyela fromSASSA explained that their offices prioritize inquiries separately from application queues. This system ensures that people who only need information or clarification are assisted quickly without spending long hours waiting. Community outreach also plays a vital role, allowing staff members to reach individuals who struggle to access services due to distance, lack of information, or other barriers.
Support for Vulnerable Families
A major concern raised during the interview was the situation of grandparents, particularly grandmothers, who take care of children when parents are affected by substance abuse. In many cases, these caregivers lack the necessary documentation such as birth certificates or IDs.
SASSA clarified that alternative documentation can be used, allowing families to apply for child grants even without full paperwork. This temporary provision can take up to seven months while caregivers resolve documentation issues with the Department of Home Affairs. Importantly, these applications must be done in person at a local SASSA office to ensure proper guidance.
Knowing Your Rights and the Appeals Process
Ask questions when facing difficulties with applications
Request written reasons if a grant is rejected
Keep copies of all submitted documents
If a grant application is declined, beneficiaries have the right to appeal. Should they remain dissatisfied, they can escalate the matter to ITSA (Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals), an independent body that reviews SASSA decisions.
Beware of Scams
Another critical warning focused on fraud and scams. SASSA stressed that:
No one is allowed to change your payment method unless you personally request it
SASSA does not exchange grants for food parcels or services
Official information is only shared through verified platforms such as SASSA offices, radio, TV, and official social media pages
Beneficiaries were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
Black Sash: Additional Support
Black Sash reaffirmed its commitment to assisting communities through:
A helpline
An online chatbot available on their website
Email support and direct contact numbers
They encouraged people to seek help from trusted organizations and community advice offices when facing challenges.
How to Access SASSA Services
SASSA offers multiple channels to help you access information and support quickly and conveniently:
• You can apply at any SASSA Local / Service Office nearest to you.
• Main Website: www.sassa.gov.za
• Grant Application Portal: services.sassa.gov.za
• COVID-19 SRD Portal: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
• WhatsApp Chatbot: 082 054 0016
• Email Support: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
• Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11
• Anti-Fraud Line: 0800 701 701
Older Person’s Grant: To qualify for the Older Person’s Grant, the applicant must:
• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee residing in South Africa.
• Be 60 years of age or older.
• Not be maintained or cared for in a state-funded institution.
• Not be in receipt of another social grant for themselves.
• Undergo a Means Test, which assesses both the applicant’s and spouse’s income and
assets to determine eligibility.
Required Documents for Application:
• Certified copy of a valid 13-digit barcoded identification document for applicant and their
spouse if married. If unavailable, alternative identification as prescribed by SASSA will
be accepted.
• Certified copy of a valid Section 24 refugee permit, if applying as a refugee.
• Proof of marital status (e.g. marriage certificate, death certificate of spouse, decree of
divorce affidavit in case of desertion).
• Latest payslip (not older than 3 months) for both applicant and their spouse if married.
• Three months bank statements for all active bank accounts held by the applicant and
their spouse if married.
• Bank account confirmation letter or three months bank statements for the account the
clients wish to be paid in.
• Proof of permissible deductions (e.g. tax, UlF, medical aid, private pension/retirement
annuity).
• Proof of assets (e.g. unoccupied property, cash investments, shares, endowment policies,
lump sums invested).
Note: Additional documents or information may be requested during one-on-one screening.
Disability Grant: To qualify for the Disability Grant, the applicant must:
• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee residing in South Africa.
• Be 18 to 59 years of age.
• Not maintained or cared for in a state-funded institution.
• Not in receipt of another social grant for themselves.
• Undergo a medical or functional assessment confirming the disability.
• Provide clinical information or a referral form confirming the disability.
• Submit a referral form completed by the treating facility or practitioner if previously rejected on medical
grounds.
• Undergo a Means Test, which assesses both the applicant’s and spouse’s income and assets to
determine eligibility.
Required Documents for Application
• Certified copy of a valid 13-digit barcoded identification document for applicant and their spouse
if married. If unavailable, alternative identification as prescribed by SASSA will be accepted.
• Certified copy of a valid Section 24 refugee permit.
• Proof of marital status (e.g. marriage certificate, death certificate of spouse, decree of divorce,
affidavit in case of desertion).
• Latest payslip (not older than 3 months) for both applicant and their spouse if married.
• Three months bank statements of all accounts for applicant and their spouse if married.
• Bank account confirmation letter or three months bank statements for the account the clients
wish to be paid in.
• Proof of permissible deductions (e.g. tax, UlF, medical aid, private pension/retirement annuity).
• (Signed and stamped) Referral letter containing clinical information completed by the treating health
practitioner or institution.
Note: Additional documents or information may be requested during one-on-one screening.
War Veterans Grant: To qualify for the War Veteran’s Grant, the applicant must:
• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee residing in South Africa.
• Be 60 years of age or older or be living with a disability.
• Have served in the Second World War or the Korean War.
• Not be maintained or cared for in a state-funded institution.
• Not be in receipt of another social grant for themselves.
• Undergo a Means Test, which assesses both the applicant’s and spouse’s income and assets
to determine eligibility.
Required Documents for Application
• Certified copy of ID of applicant and spouse (where applicant is married). If unavailable,
alternative identification as prescribed by SASSA will be accepted.
• Refugee - a certified copy of the valid Section 24 refugee permit.
• Proof of marital status (e.g. marriage certificate, death certificate of spouse, decree of divorce,
affidavit in case of desertion).
• Latest payslip (not older than 3 months) for applicant and their spouse if married.
• Three months bank statements of all accounts for applicant and their spouse if married.
• Bank account confirmation letter or three months bank statements for the account the clients
wish to be paid in.
• Proof of permissible deductions (e.g. Tax, UIF, medical aid, Private pension/ retirement annuity for
applicant and their spouse if married).
• Proof of assets (e.g. property owned by not occupied, cash investment, shares, endowment policies,
lump sum invested for applicant and their spouse if married).
• Proof of participating in the Second World War or the Korean War.
Note: Additional documents or information may be requested during one-on-one screening.
Grant-in-Aid: To qualify for the Grant-In-Aid, the applicant must:
Applicant must be in receipt of one of the following grants:
- Older Person’s Grant
- Disability Grant
- War Veteran’s Grant
• Require regular attendance and assistance from another person due to physical or
mental disability and or illness.
• Not be cared for in a state-funded institution that receives a subsidy for the care or housing
of the beneficiary.
• Undergo a medical or functional assessment confirming the disability.
• Provide clinical information or a referral form confirming the disability.
• Submit a referral form completed by the treating facility or practitioner, if previously rejected on
medical grounds.
Required Documents for Application
• Certified copy of valid 13-digit barcoded identification document for applicant and their spouse
if married. If unavailable, alternative identification as prescribed by SASSA will be accepted.
• Certified copy of the valid Section 24 refugee permit.
• Proof of marital status (e.g. marriage certificate, death certificate of spouse, decree of divorce,
affidavit in case of desertion).
• Latest payslip (not older than 3 months) for applicants and their spouse if married.
• Three months bank statements of all accounts for applicant and their spouse if married.
• Bank account confirmation letter or three months bank statements for the account the clients
wish to be paid in.
• Proof of permissible deductions (e.g. Tax, UIF, medical aid, Private pension / retirement annuity
for applicants and their spouse if married).
• Proof of assets (e.g. property owned by not occupied, cash investment, shares, endowment
policies, lump sum invested) for applicant and their spouse if married.
• A referral letter containing clinical information completed by the treating health practitioner
or institution.
Note: Grant-In-Aid is not a stand-alone grant. The applicant must be in receipt of an Older Person’s
Grant, Disability Grant or a War Veteran’s Grant, and require regular attendance by another person
owing to his/her physical or mental disabilities.
Grant
Child Support Grant: To qualify for the Child Support Grant, the applicant must:
• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee residing in South Africa.
• Reside in South Africa along with the child.
• Be the primary caregiver of the child.
• Ensure the child is under the age of 18 years.
• Submit the child’s birth certificate.
• Not apply for more than six non-biological children.
• Ensure the child is not permanently cared for in a state-funded institution.
• Provide proof of school attendance if the child is of school-going age. However, failure to attend
school or submit proof will not result in the refusal of the grant.
• Undergo a Means Test, which assesses both the applicant’s and spouse’s income to determine
eligibility.
Required Documents for Application
• Certified copy of a valid 13-digit barcoded identification document for applicant and spouse
if married. If unavailable, alternative identification as prescribed by SASSA will be accepted.
• Certified copy of a valid Section 24 refugee permit.
• Certified copy of 13-digit birth certificate of the child.
• Proof of marital status (e.g. marriage certificate, death certificate of spouse, decree of
divorce, affidavit in case of desertion).
• Latest payslip (not older than 3 months) for both applicant and spouse if married.
• Three months bank statements for all active bank accounts held by the applicant and
spouse if married.
• Bank account confirmation letter or three months bank statements for the account the
clients wish to be paid in.
• If the child is of school-going age 7-18 years, provide proof of school attendance. However,
failure to attend school or submit proof will not result in the refusal of a grant.
Note: Additional documents or information may be requested during one-on-one screening.
Child Support Grant Top-Up: To qualify for the CSG Top-Up, the applicant must:
• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised
refugee residing in South Africa.
• Be related to the child (e.g. grandparent, sibling, uncle, aunt,
or cousin) or be a child aged 16-18 years heading a household.
• Reside permanently in South Africa along with the child.
• Be the primary caregiver and live with the child.
• Ensure the child is under the age of 18 years.
• Submit the child’s valid birth certificate.
• Not apply for more than six children.
• Ensure the child is not permanently cared for in a state-funded
institution.
• The child must be of school-going age.
• Undergo a Means Test, which assesses both the applicant’s and
spouse’s income and assets to determine eligibility.
Note: The CSG Top-Up is not a stand-alone grant. It is linked to the
standard Child Support Grant and is subject to the same Means
Test outcomes.
Required Documents for Application
• Certified copy of a valid 13-digit barcoded identification document for applicant and their spouse
if married. If unavailable, alternative identification as prescribed by SASSA will be accepted.
• Certified copy of a valid Section 24 refugee permit.
• Certified copy of valid birth certificate of the child.
• Proof of marital status (e.g. marriage certificate, death certificate of spouse, decree of divorce,
affidavit in case of desertion).
• Latest payslip (not older than 3 months) for both applicant and spouse.
• Three months bank statements for all active bank accounts held by the applicant and spouse.
• Bank account confirmation letter or three months bank statements for the account the clients
wish to be paid in.
• If the child is of school-going age 7-18 years, provide proof of school attendance. However, failure to attend school or submit proof will not result in the refusal of a grant.
• Submit death certificates for both parents. If only one death certificate is available and the status
of the other parent is unknown or unconfirmed, an affidavit is required.
Note: Additional documents or information may be requested during one-on-one screening.
Grant
Care Dependency Grant: To qualify for the Care Dependency Grant, the applicant must:
• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee residing in South Africa.
• Reside in South Africa along with the child.
• Be the primary caregiver of a child under the age of 18 years who requires permanent care due
to a disability.
• Submit clinical information or a referral form as a baseline for assessment.
• If previously rejected on medical grounds, provide a referral form completed by a treating facility
or practitioner.
• Ensure the child undergoes a medical or functional assessment confirming the disability.
• Meet the requirements of the Means Test (applicable to the applicant and spouse, but not
applicable to foster parents).
• Ensure the child is not permanently cared for in a state-funded institution.
• Provide the child’s valid birth certificate.
• If the child is of school-going age, provide proof of school attendance. However, failure to attend
school or submit proof will not result in the refusal of the grant.
Note: A foster child who is Care Dependent may qualify for Foster Child Grant and Care Dependency
Grant simultaneously. The income of foster parents is excluded from the Means Test when applying for
a Care Dependency Grant on behalf of a fostered child.
Required Documents for Application
• Certified copy of a 13-digit barcoded identification document for applicant and their spouse
if married. If unavailable, alternative identification as prescribed by SASSA will be accepted.
• Certified copy of a valid Section 24 refugee permit.
• Certified copy of the child’s birth certificate.
• Bank account confirmation letter or three months bank statements for the account the clients
wish to be paid in.
• Proof of marital status (e.g. marriage certificate, death certificate of spouse, decree of divorce,
affidavit in case of desertion).
• Latest payslip (not older than 3 months) for both applicant and spouse.
• Three months bank statements of all accounts for applicant and spouse.
• A referral letter containing clinical information completed by the treating health practitioner or
institution.
Note: Additional documents or information may be requested during one-on-one screening.
10
Foster Child Grant: To qualify for the Foster Child Grant, the applicant must:
• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee residing in South Africa.
• Reside in South Africa along with the foster child.
• Ensure the foster child remains in their care.
• Not be maintained or cared for in a state-funded institution.
• Submit the foster child’s valid birth certificate.
• Must not be eligible for a foster child grant for more than six children except where the children are
siblings or blood relations or the court considers this for any reason to be in the best interest of all
the children as contemplated in Section 185 (1) of the Children’s Act.
• Provide a valid court order confirming foster care placement.
Note:
• A Foster child who is care dependent may qualify for Foster Child Grant and
Care Dependency Grant simultaneously.
• Foster Child Grant may be extended to 21 years of age, if the child is still attending school
(including tertiary level, provided the submit necessary supporting document to confirm).
• The Foster Child Grant is not means tested (The income of foster parents is not considered
when assessing eligibility).
Required Documents for Application
• Certified copy of a valid 13-digit barcoded identification document for applicant and their spouse
if married. If unavailable, alternative identification as prescribed by SASSA will be accepted.
• Certified copy of a valid Section 24 refugee permit.
• Certified copy of 13-digit birth certificate of the foster child.
• Proof of marital status (e.g. marriage certificate, death certificate of spouse, decree of divorce,
affidavit in case of desertion).
• Bank account confirmation letter or three months bank statements for the account the clients
wish to be paid in.
• Valid court order confirming foster care placement.
• If the child is of school-going age 7-18 years, provide proof of school attendance. However,
failure to attend school or submit proof will not result in the refusal of the grant.
• Proof of school attendance for children over 18 years who are still attending school.
Note: Additional documents or information may be requested during one-on-one screening.
Grant
Social Relief of Distress (SRD)
What is Social Relief of Distress?
It is a temporary form of assistance provided to individuals or households facing undue hardship and
unable to meet their most basic needs. It is available to South African citizens, permanent residents, or
recognised refugees who reside in South Africa and meet one or more of the following criteria:
• The applicant is awaiting payment of an approved social grant.
• The applicant has been affected by disaster as defined in terms of the
Disaster Management Act or the Fund Raising Act, 1978.
• In case the applicant experiences undue hardship, and meets the requirements, he/she may
qualify for the COVID-19 SRD.
• A school uniform may be provided to children whose primary caregivers are unable to afford
one due to hardship, or
• Where the uniform has been lost or destroyed because of a disaster.
Important Notes
• SRD may be granted while awaiting payment of an approved social grant.
However, the amount paid as SRD will be recovered from the approved
grant once it is in payment unless the SRD was issued due to a disaster.
Required Document for Application
Certified copy of a valid 13-digit barcoded identification document for both applicant and spouse.
If valid 13-digit barcoded identification document is unavailable alternative identification as prescribed
by SASSA will be accepted.
Grant 12
COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD): The COVID-19 SRD is a temporary form of assistance for individuals with insufficient means
who are unable to meet their basic needs. To qualify, the applicant must:
• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, recognised refugee, or holder of a valid
special permit under:
- The Special Angolan Dispensation
- The Lesotho Exemption Permit Dispensation
- The Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Dispensation
• Alternatively, be an asylum seeker with a valid Section 22 permit or visa.
• Be registered on the Department of Home Affairs database.
• Be between the ages of 18 and below 60 years.
• Reside within the borders of South Africa.
• Not maintained or cared for in a state funded institution.
• Not unreasonably refuse employment or educational opportunities.
• Meet the requirements of the Means Test.
• Not be in receipt of another social grant for themselves.
Note: The COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) is not a grant. It is a temporary form of
assistance accessed exclusively through online application channels.
Verification and Application Process
• All new applicants must complete a facial biometric authentification (eKYC) before the grant
can be approved.
• Applicants with a referred status must log in to the SRD portal and request a link to update
their information and complete the facial biometric authentification (eKYC) process.
• Applicants who want to change their cell phone number must also undergo facial
recognition verification.
• If your grant status shows approved but not paid, you are required to request a verification
link and complete the facial recognition process.
Note: Additional documents or information may be requested during one-on-one screening
A Call for Accountability
The interview concluded with a powerful reminder: citizens deserve dignified, fair, and accessible services. Communities are encouraged to hold institutions accountable, report misconduct, and make use of their rights to ensure continuous improvement in public services.
Every week, children are born in the Western Cape carrying a
diagnosis that cannot be reversed, medicated away, or outgrown. Fetal alcohol
spectrum disorder — FASD — is caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol, and it
leaves lifelong marks on the brain. The Western Cape carries some of the
highest rates of FASD anywhere in the world.
On a conversation on Building the Nation, Bou di Nasie we
sat down with Kayla and Shanice from Home of Hope a registered non-profit
running a children's home, a special-needs school, and community support
programs across the province.
What is FASD, exactly?
FASD sits on a spectrum. At one end are children whose
physical features and developmental delays are unmistakable from birth. At the
other are "higher-functioning" individuals who present well in early
childhood only for the challenges to surface when they reach school age or
adolescence: dropping out, depression, difficulty holding a job.
Because the central nervous system continues developing
right through to the end of pregnancy, there is no safe amount of alcohol and
no safe point in the pregnancy. "You might have one glass," Kayla
explained, "and your child can still have effects and then people say, oh,
my kid is just ADHD." That qualifier, just, is doing a lot of heavy
lifting. FASD rarely travels alone: conduct disorder, mood disorders, and ADHD frequently
appear alongside it.
FASD is caused solely by alcohol exposure in the womb not
other substances.
The condition is lifelong. There is no cure, no medication that
reverses the brain damage.
It is known as an "invisible disability" many
children are misdiagnosed with autism or ADHD.
It is 100% preventable no alcohol during pregnancy means no
FASD.
The Western Cape records some of the highest FASD prevalence
rates globally. When pushed on whether official statistics reflect the true
scale of the problem, Kayla was direct: "I'm certain the stats are higher.
If you look at the justice system, if you look at our youth unemployment rate,
it's evident. There's no denying it."
Part of the problem is that awareness campaigns have not
reached the people who need them most. In one striking example, Kayla recounted
taking a child to a clinic and being met with a blank stare: "They said,
'What is FASD?' And these are health professionals." When the health
system cannot name the condition, it cannot screen for it, diagnose it, or
support the families living with it.
"The cycle of addiction mixes with the DNA of the
child. Unknowingly, the child becomes addicted to alcohol and when they're
older, they start drinking. The cycle continues."
One of the most damaging barriers to early intervention is
disclosure. If a mother does not tell her doctor or social worker that she
drank during pregnancy, the child's presentation impulsivity, aggression,
difficulty with abstract instructions can easily be filed under autism, ADHD,
or conduct disorder. The diagnosis is not wrong; it's just incomplete.
To illustrate how concrete the thinking of someone with FASD
can be, Kayla gave this example: tell a child to "take your clothes and go
shower" and they might shower while still wearing the clothes. An
instruction that seems obvious is genuinely abstract to them. In a prison cell,
that same misunderstanding gets read as defiance with potentially serious
consequences. "Our justice system," Kayla noted, "is not
equipped to know how to deal with them."
Home of Hope currently cares for 25 children in a
residential setting, alongside running a special-needs school and community
outreach. At 18, residents don't simply age out. The organization recently
opened a skills development workshop on its working-care farm teaching
woodworking and practical trades so that young adults with FASD can contribute
to the economy on their own terms.
Their "Living Life" program is equally hands-on: Shanice
sits with young adults and works through budgeting, writing a CV, using public
transport, and understanding bank charges. It sounds simple. It isn't an
18-year-old with FASD may be functioning emotionally at the level of a
five-year-old, and socially at the level of a twelve-year-old. "They have
a disharmonious profile," Shanice explained. "It's a mixed, mixed
type of person."
The single most effective tool for a child with FASD,
according to Home of Hope, is routine and structure. Consistency reduces
anxiety, supports learning, and prevents the behavioral crises that often push
families toward crisis services. Early diagnosis and honest disclosure dramatically
improves outcomes.
Blame, when a child is diagnosed with FASD, falls almost
entirely on the mother. That stigma keeps women from disclosing which in turn
delays diagnosis, delays intervention, and compounds the harm. Kayla and Shanice
were clear: the goal isn't to assign fault, it's to get the child the support
they need. "We need to desensitize our communities to FASD," Kayla
said. "If your child has FASD, that's okay. Accept what has been done and
focus on how you can now support your child."
Mothers who drank during pregnancy whether through
addiction, circumstance, or not yet knowing they were pregnant need therapeutic
support too. Shutting them out of the conversation only widens the gap between
the child and the care they need.
"Once you've put interventions in place, you cannot be
hands off," Shanice said. "Every day, you as the parent or guardian
need to make sure that child is doing what they need to do. It is
exhausting."
But exhaustion isn't the end of the story. "Individuals
with FASD are great," she added and that warmth was palpable throughout
the conversation. The work Home of Hope does is hard precisely because it
matters.
Home of Hope runs entirely on donations. Every contribution
supports children living with FASD in the Western Cape.
During Child Protection Month, conversations around addiction often focus on the individual struggling with substance use. But behind every person battling addiction is a family quietly carrying emotional pain, stress, fear, and uncertainty.
In a interview on Bush Radio , Saadia Jackson Cassiem shed light on the realities families face when living alongside addiction and why their voices matter just as much.
With nearly two decades of experience in social work, addiction recovery, and family support, Saadia has dedicated her life to helping families navigate some of their darkest moments. Her work focuses not only on individuals using substances, but also on the mothers, fathers, siblings, spouses, and children who are deeply affected by addiction every single day.
From Chemical Engineering to Social Work
Interestingly, Saadia’s journey into social work was never part of the original plan. She initially studied chemical engineering before changing direction and pursuing social work at the University of the Western Cape.
What started as an unexpected career path eventually became a calling. Her first role at the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre exposed her to the realities of addiction recovery. Later, while working at the Matrix Drug and Alcohol Centre, she began noticing something important: more family members were seeking help than the individuals struggling with addiction themselves.
This realization shaped the direction of her work.
Addiction Affects the Entire Family
One of the most important messages shared during the interview was that addiction never affects only one person. It impacts the entire family system.
Parents often arrive desperate for solutions, hoping someone can “fix” their child or loved one. But according to Saadia, recovery is far more complex than simply placing someone into rehabilitation.
She explained that families frequently experience:
Anxiety and emotional exhaustion
Shame and stigma from the community
Financial strain
Health problems caused by stress
Feelings of helplessness and isolation
Many parents blame themselves, wondering where they “went wrong,” while others fear judgment from their communities. This stigma often prevents families from asking for help early enough.
The Importance of Education
According to Saadia, one of the biggest challenges is that many families do not fully understand addiction or recovery.
There is a common belief that if a person truly wanted to stop using substances, they simply would. But addiction is far more complicated. Without proper education, families struggle to protect themselves emotionally and make informed decisions.
Saadia believes education is the first step toward healing. Families need to understand:
What addiction actually is
How recovery works
What healthy boundaries look like
How to support a loved one without enabling destructive behavior
She emphasized that understanding addiction helps families regain a sense of control over their own lives and environments.
Children Growing Up Around Addiction
The interview also explored the impact addiction has on children growing up in unstable environments.
Exposure to substance abuse, violence, trauma, or emotional neglect can deeply affect a child’s development. Saadia highlighted the importance of open communication between parents and children, especially during adolescence.
Rather than only saying “don’t do drugs,” she believes young people should be taught how to make informed decisions by understanding consequences, risks, and healthy coping mechanisms.
Creating safe spaces for honest conversations can help prevent substance abuse before it starts.
Who Are the “Forgotten Voices”?
Saadia refers to family members affected by addiction as the “forgotten voices.”
While the focus is usually on the individual using substances, families are often overlooked despite carrying enormous emotional burdens themselves. Mothers, fathers, siblings, and spouses frequently lose parts of themselves while trying to save someone they love.
Their pain is often invisible.
Saadia’s work aims to remind families that their well-being matters too. They deserve support, healing, and recognition in their own right — not only as caregivers to someone struggling with addiction.
A Message of Hope
For families currently facing addiction at home, Saadia shared an important reminder: you are not alone.
Healing begins when families recognize their own value and understand that their happiness cannot depend entirely on another person’s choices.
Breaking the silence around addiction, challenging stigma, and seeking support are powerful first steps toward recovery — not only for the individual, but for the entire family.
For support and assistance, families can contact Saadia Jackson Cassiem through her platforms under “Foundation Care.”
