The Department of Social Development (DSD) believes social grants have a significant role in keeping young people in school and improving their chances of academic success. This conclusion was based on a new data tracking system implemented by the DSD.
Earlier this week the department presented its findings to the parliamentary portfolio committee on social development. During the briefing, they showcased how the system provides valuable insights into the impact of financial support on educational outcomes.
The data revealed a strong correlation between social grant support and matriculation completion rates.
In the Class of 2024, 79% of the 882,336 learners who wrote the National Senior Certificate exams were beneficiaries of social grants. Of those grant recipients, 59% were female and 41% male, highlighting the crucial role these grants play in supporting young women's education.
The data indicated that 272,098 of these learners applied for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), with 261,950 provisionally accepted, pending final results and institutional admission.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving students enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. NSFAS funding covers tuition and registration fees, as well as several allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials
Social grant beneficiaries are exempt from NSFAS financial eligibility requirements for funding.
Lumka Oliphant, Acting Deputy Director-General of corporate Services believes social grants benefit recipients beyond financial support.
We are seeing that these grants help young people stay in school and improve their chances of academic success. The data we have collected will inform our future strategies and shape effective policies to provide targeted support.
Committee chairperson Bridgette Masango commended the department for its data-driven approach.
They say the importance of ensuring that social assistance not only addresses the immediate needs of beneficiaries but also builds opportunities for young people.
However, the committee also raised concerns about children not included in the data set, particularly undocumented immigrant children and those over 18 still in school whose grants have expired.
They urged the DSD to find ways to document these children and explore alternative support mechanisms for older learners still pursuing their education.
The committee also called for stronger partnerships with the Department of Higher Education to ensure grant beneficiaries receive the necessary support to further their studies, including increased access to bursaries and post-school training.
