The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) in the North West says it is ready to pay social grants to beneficiaries come April 1.
The assurance was given to the North West Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health & Social Development during hearings regarding Sassa’s readiness and preparations.
The National department of Social Development is asking the Constitutional Court to extend its illegal contract with Cash Paymaster Services, for another six months. Meanwhile, the province and its national office express different views on the matter.
Some beneficiaries, who are dependent on social grants, are concerned that they may not be paid.
They are concerned at the silence of Sassa regarding social grants payments. It will be catastrophic if they do not get their grant on the 1st of April.
One social grant beneficiary says, “This issue of Sassa changing companies and cards is stressful because we don’t know if we will be paid. I would like them to come to the village to explain to us how everything will happen.”
However, for a young mother government’s help is not nearly enough to sustain her children’s lives.
“I have two kids. One of them died and I had another. I only get R380 per child. It is not enough. Once I have bought the kids clothes, I can’t buy anything else.”
Sassa in the province says it is ready to pay beneficiaries.
“Social grants are going to be paid on April 1 and they will be paid in two forms. There will be clients that will be paid directly into their bank accounts. There will be those clients who are going to be paid through paypoints or through cash. But such clients who are to be paid through paypoints are going to be a small margins compared to those who will be paid through the national payment system, “said North West Sassa official, Fanie Sethokga.
Last week, the Constitutional Court reserved judgment on the agency’s attempt to have its contract with Cash Paymaster Services extended by another six months.
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