Try GOLD - Free
A meagre rise amid rising living costs
Post
|March 18, 2026
SOUTH Africa’s social grants will see a modest increase from April 1, but many beneficiaries argue that the rise is insufficient to cope with escalating living costs, leaving vulnerable families in a precarious financial situation.
-
Next month, South Africans can expect a double blow, with massive fuel price hikes on the cards as oil prices soar due to the Middle East conflict.
Diesel could increase by up to R7 a litre, and petrol by R4 a litre.
Consumers will also be hard hit by a 9% electricity tariff increase.
This means the pittance of an increase for social grants will be swiped on energy charges, water, food, transport and the escalating cost of living.
From next month, the old age grant, the care dependency grant and disability grant will increase to R2,400, the foster care grant to R1 290, and the child support grant to R580.
This story is from the March 18, 2026 edition of Post.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Post
Post
Chronic stress: the hidden epidemic reshaping lives
IN SOUTH Africa, a country already grappling with financial uncertainty, high crime rates and relentless workplace pressures, stress is not just an occasional inconvenience; it is an epidemic.
2 mins
March 18, 2026
Post
uMhlanga businessman charged with R4 million fraud in call-centre scheme
PERSONAL GAIN
2 mins
March 18, 2026
Post
Court rules on implications of talaq on interim maintenance in SA Muslim marriages
THE Gauteng High Court's recent ruling on interim maintenance for a woman married in terms of Muslim law highlights the complexities of divorce under Sharia law and its implications for civil rights in South Africa.
2 mins
March 18, 2026
Post
'Risk to pupils'
TWO weeks ago, the KZN Department of Public Works and Infrastructure received a complaint about a bus and truck depot operating from Havenpark Secondary, in Phoenix, property, without planning permission.
1 min
March 18, 2026
Post
Infrastructure failures and rising crime: Richards Bay’s call for help
‘WE ARE LOSING OUR BEAUTIFUL TOWN’
6 mins
March 18, 2026
Post
The unending cycle of war: humanity’s struggle against conflict
WE ARE about to leave the holy month of Ramadaan.
1 mins
March 18, 2026
Post
Verulam schools' drug-turf war: girls are the new pedlars
'They are also selling their bodies to dealers for money'
3 mins
March 18, 2026
Post
Here we are ‘femmenomenals’
EXCEPTIONAL LADIES
4 mins
March 18, 2026
Post
From Wesleyan origins to modern times: a history of Verulam
Verulam, a town rich in history, commemorates 176 years of existence. From the Wesleyan Settler movement to becoming the seat for the magistracy, hospital and gaol -including the settlement of indentured workers - Verulam became the capital of Victoria County. Today it remains a thriving community that caters to a diverse population, writes Amber Ramdass
12 mins
March 18, 2026
Post
Local elections: Chatsworth community demands accountability and action
CHATSWORTH residents and business owners are gearing up for voter registration and the local government elections, demanding accountability and action against corruption, crime and gender-based violence (GBV) as they prepare to cast their votes.
4 mins
March 18, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size