Discontinuation of SASSA Disability Grants deeply concerning

The Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, is gravely concerned about the impact of SASSA’s termination of temporary disability grants given the resurgence of COVID-19.

These grants were originally due to lapse on 1 February 2020 but were extended by the National Minister of Social Development until the end of December 2020. No further extension has been approved and all affected beneficiaries will now need to be re-assessed by a medical practitioner in order to legitimately qualify for the continuation of the disability grant.

“The timing of the termination of these grants has serious consequences for disabled people in our province and across South Africa, as well as for the healthcare system, which is already under extreme pressure due to the burden of COVID 19.  In the Western Cape alone, approximately 52 000 temporary disability grant holders will need to re-apply this month due to their grants lapsing. The discontinuation of grants leaves the affected beneficiaries vulnerable and destitute with the added burden of having to undergo a medical assessment, exposing them to the risks of contracting COVID 19. Furthermore, SASSA appears to be struggling with capacity to manage the simultaneous cancellation of so many grants and large gatherings are occurring at some SASSA local offices, which further poses a risk of COVID transmission. Yesterday, I dealt with many enquiries not only in the Western Cape but also in the Northern and Eastern Cape. So, the challenge exists countrywide,” said Minister Fernandez.

Minister Fernandez re-iterated that the healthcare system in the province is under huge pressure from COVID 19 and will struggle to accommodate the added burden of assessing 52 000 people in order for them to qualify for a SASSA disability grant.

“I have been in contact with both the National Minister of Social Development and the CEO of SASSA yesterday, the 5^th January 2021, who committed to provide my office with a proposed way forward. When I called the National Minister earlier today, she indicated that she could not speak as she was in the NCCC meeting.  We need to know how and when this urgent and very pressing matter will be addressed.  I urge the National Minister of Social Development and SASSA to reconsider their decision to cease paying beneficiaries, and either extend these disability grants or at least temporarily waive the requirement for a medical re-assessment until such time that the pandemic eases, as it will severely impact the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable disabled persons” said Minister Fernandez.