The implementation of a new system at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has resulted in widespread confusion and disruption for grant recipients, a situation highlighted by oversight visits conducted by the Democratic Alliance (DA).
The party has expressed grave concern over the inconveniences faced by some of the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
Nationwide inspections at SASSA pay-points by DA representatives revealed a litany of problems.
In Benoni, grant recipients were turned away and informed they would need to travel to alternative offices in order to receive their payments.
Footage shared by the DA shows a SASSA official citing “the implementation of a new system” as the reason for the sudden redirection.
Frustrations were not limited to a single location. In Motherwell, Eastern Cape, and Polokwane, DA representatives witnessed long queues as elderly and disabled South Africans struggled under the strain of system delays.
Some beneficiaries were unable to update their contact information, further complicating their ability to receive timely communications from SASSA.
“These challenges are simply unacceptable,” stressed Bridget Masango, a DA Member of Parliament who engaged with recipients at the Benoni SASSA offices.
“Our most vulnerable citizens should not be forced to bear the brunt of administrative inefficiencies.”
The DA has been a vocal critic of what it perceives as the mismanagement of SASSA under the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
The party accuses the ANC of prioritizing self-enrichment over the well-being of grant recipients.
“The DA stands firm in its pledge to safeguard and maintain social grants,” emphasized Masango. “This commitment is a cornerstone of our policy, not a hollow election promise.”
The oversight visits were conducted in conjunction with the disbursement of older persons grants. Similar inspections will coincide with the payout of disability and child support grants in the coming days.
This proactive approach, according to the DA, reflects the party’s dedication to keeping a close eye on the situation at SASSA.
While highlighting problems within SASSA, the DA also used the opportunity to promote its own policy platform.
The party has pledged that, if elected, it will significantly increase the amount of the child support grant.
“Under a DA government, the child support grant will be raised to R760 per recipient, aligning with the official food poverty line,” declared a DA spokesperson.
“This represents a R250 increase over the current amount, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to lifting families out of poverty.”
As South Africa gears up for elections, the handling of social grants is likely to become a central issue.
The DA is positioning itself as the champion of the poor and vulnerable, contrasting its pledges with what it characterizes as indifference on the part of the ANC.
Whether this strategy resonates with voters remains to be seen, but the problems emerging from SASSA’s system change undoubtedly create an opening for the opposition.
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