Public accounts committee chairperson Themba Godi believes that South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will be able to address the glitches in the payment of social grants.
Cash Paymaster Services will cease paying the grants after the end of September and the South African Post Office will take over, following drawn out negotiations.
On Sunday, Godi and SASSA acting CEO Abraham Mahlangu met hawkers, pensioners and other grants beneficiaries in Polokwane, Limpopo, to allay fears that the pay points will be closed.
Godi hopes the meeting put their fears to rest, “There were glitches on the transition especially the use of new cards in village pay points. Also concerns from local traders at pay points that it will be closed and it will be catastrophic for the local economy.”
Mahlangu says the pay points which are within a five kilometre radius from post offices, ATM’s and merchants will be closed after the change.
“In changing to the new system we do have challenges. We are showing them where they will be paid. People doing economic activity around pay points, we are saying we are going to pay the grants and you can continue your activities,” says Mahlangu.
