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Ramaphosa writes cheques that SASSA can’t cash

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Dear Editor

SASSA has urged all R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant recipients to open bank accounts to receive their grant money, because they are unable to properly distribute grants themselves. Once again, SASSA is failing in their mandate of “ensur(ing) the provision of comprehensive social security services.” Ultimately, the president is writing cheques which SASSA cannot cash.

I have written to the regional head of SASSA in the Western Cape to ascertain how many approved SRD grant beneficiaries there are in the Western Cape and whether or not they are receiving their R350 grants.

SASSA’s reliance on private banks to distribute grant monies not only demonstrates the dismal failings of our national postal service, but also their own inability to secure venues for grant distribution. Venues offered by the City of Cape Town are often left in poor condition while SASSA fails to pay its rent on time.

As we near the initial end date for the payment of SRD grants, the extension provided by national government until March 2023 remains only a simple gesture, considering the many approved beneficiaries are neglected as a result of SASSA’s administrative failures.

The national government continues to pay lip service to issues of poverty by announcing grant extensions, while being woefully disconnected from the lived realities of those recipients. Not all beneficiaries have a bank account nor are they necessarily eligible for one.

While I welcome the attempts to continue providing the SRD grant, I will be holding SASSA accountable for any failures to deliver funds to recipients.

Regards

Gillion Bosman, MPP
DA WC Spokesperson for Social Development

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.