The ongoing discussions to restrict the use of Sassa and NSFAS funds for gambling mark a much-needed turning point in how SA safeguards its most vulnerable citizens. These grants were never intended to feed betting machines or online casinos; they exist to support basic human needs: education, food, housing, and transportation.
Allowing these essential funds to be misused for gambling not only defeats their purpose but also deepens the cycle of poverty and dependency.
It is no secret that gambling addiction has quietly become one of SA’s social crises, particularly among young people and the economically disadvantaged. The easy access to online betting platforms has worsened the problem, making it effortless for students and grant…