Julius Malema has called for social grants in South Africa to be raised, arguing that the state should take on the role of supporting its citizens financially. According to The Citizen, the Economic Freedom Fighters leader made the remarks on Sunday, 4 October 2026, framing the government as a provider that should do more for grant recipients.
The Citizen reports that Malema used the phrase "government must be your sugar daddy" to describe his position, saying grants should be increased rather than kept at current levels. The publication's headline carried the same wording, presenting the call as a direct demand on the state to expand its financial support to citizens.
The remarks place the question of grant levels back in the public debate, with Malema positioning himself in favour of larger payouts. The Citizen's report frames the statement as an argument that the government should act as the primary source of support for those who depend on social grants.
The reporting does not include the exact figures Malema proposed, the venue where he spoke, or any response from government officials. Those details were not available in the material reviewed.
What to watch next: whether the governing party or the Department of Social Development responds to the call, and whether any formal proposal to adjust grant amounts follows.
