​Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu has voiced concerns about the low registration rate for the child support grant increase for orphans.
The increase was introduced on 1 June 2020. The grant was increased by R240, bringing the total amount to R720 per child per month. It can only be received by relatives or caregivers caring for orphaned children Guardians are required to confirm or update their details at a Social Development office.

Zulu said last June, we introduced the top-up child support grant as a legal solution to address foster care backlogs. “Nearly a year later, I remained concerned about the low uptake rate for this grant. In the quest to increase this number throughout this financial year, we will embark on a nationwide multimedia communication campaign”.

She added the budget vote marked the beginning of that communication campaign. 

"Accordingly, I appeal to all those caring for orphans and vulnerable children, faith, and community-based organizations to register such children for the top-up grant. I also want to appeal to the honorable members to spread the message to their various constituencies across the length and breadth of our country."

Zulu said the total budget allocation for the national Department of Social Development for the 2023/24 financial year was R263 billion.

“Included is an amount of R253 billion that consists of direct cash transfer payments that the South African Social Security Agency [Sassa] expects to pay a projected 27 million eligible grant beneficiaries by March 2024.

Zulu said the Department's total budget allocation included an amount of R7.8 billion for Sassa's administration of grants.

"The Department's total allocation for the 2023/24 financial year includes an additional R41 billion that will be directed towards the implementation and administration of the Covid-19 social relief of distress grant until March 2024," she added.