SASSA missing its own handover deadline creates uncertainty for recipients | Western Cape Government

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SASSA missing its own handover deadline creates uncertainty for recipients

29 September 2017

I am concerned at reports of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) having once again missed its deadline to enter into a service agreement with the Post Office, for the payment of grants.

SASSA is a national entity, and provincial departments of social development have no operational control over it.

SASSA cannot drag its feet on this matter, as 1.5-million people in the Western Cape (and 17-million nationally) receive social grants, and for many they are their only source of income against grinding poverty.

The seeming disdain for the poor through the chaotic handling of the social grants handover process must be condemned. It is a sign of poor leadership from the agency.

To date, SASSA has kept provincial departments in the dark about developments, and I have received no communication from the National Ministry on progress.

It would seem SASSA is once again working itself into a self-created crisis, for which the National Minister, Bathabile Dlamini, must take full responsibility. Swift action must be taken and clear deadlines must be honoured, if we are to avoid a national crisis and assure all grant recipients that they will be paid.

Media Enquiries: 

Sihle Ngobese

Spokesperson for Albert Fritz, Minister of Social Development

Western Cape Government

7th floor, 14 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town, 8000

Tel : (021) 483 9217

Cell :  076 083 6543

Email : Sihle.Ngobese@westerncape.gov.za