SASSA debacle continues | Western Cape Government

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SASSA debacle continues

15 February 2021

On Monday, 15 February 2021, the Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, met with SASSA regarding the 53 000 Temporary Disability Grants (TDGs) and Care Dependency Grants that were suspended by the national agency, across the Western Cape, at the end of December 2020.

There are currently ten SASSA doctors, with four additional doctor’s services secured since we last met, which means that there is only a total of fourteen doctors, to conduct the medical assessments for 39 815 people in the province.

“Albeit that twelve additional venues have been made available to divert clients from local offices to closer to their residences - without a sufficient number of doctors to complete assessments, I fear that SASSA will not reach their deadline of the 31st March 2021.

We remain well-aware that these grants are of crucial importance to uplifting the well-being and dignity of thousands of families, who reside in the province,” said Minister Fernandez.

Following the President’s announcement during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) last week, that the Special R350 COVID-19 SRD Grant will be extended for three months, however, SASSA has yet to communicate how the extension of the R350 grant will be rolled out. 

“We require urgent clarity on these details as approximately 400 000 individuals are dependent on this grant during these challenging times,” said Minister Fernandez.

SASSA highlighted that the following progress has been made as of 08 February 2021:

A total of 8212 Temporary Disability Grants have been assessed. Therefore, 39 815 beneficiaries have still not been assessed and thus, have not received any form of payment.

In terms of the Care Dependency Grants, 880 beneficiaries out of the original total of 999, have been assessed. Thus, 119 beneficiaries still require assessments to be made.

“I also welcome interventions taken by Black Sash and the Human Rights Commission. They will both be deploying monitors to 'hotspot' offices, in particular - Belville, to assist with human rights training for SASSA staff in light of the despicable use of water cannons by the SAPS on vulnerable citizens on the 15th of January 2021.

As the provincial Department of Social Development (DSD), we will continue to meet SASSA fortnightly, to provide an update on the progress being made to address their current challenges, and ensure greater collaboration between SASSA and DSD,” concluded Minister Fernandez. 

Media Enquiries: 

Joshua Covenant Chigome

Spokesperson for the Minister of Social Development, Minister Sharna Fernandez

Tel: 021 483 9217

Cell: 083 661 4949

Email: Joshua.chigome@westerncape.gov.za­