Grant payments on track – SASSA

The Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini, has reassured all qualifying beneficiaries that they will receive their money as per normal.

Payments will be made through various channels, including merchants, points of sale, banks, ATMs and SASSA pay points.

Spokesperson Lumka Oliphant said: “Considering that April 1 is a Saturday, as on all occasions when the grant payment date falls over a weekend, SASSA pay points will not open.

“Special focus and provision will be made for the busiest merchants and ATMs around the country. Regional executive managers will be deployed to monitor and assist beneficiaries with enquiries.

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“SASSA pay points will operate as normal and recipients are encouraged to go on their respective days to respective pay points as indicated on the slips they received last month, on April 3.”

According to the department, teams of managers will also be deployed to provide assistance at the pay points.

Measures in place as of April 1:

• The SASSA call centre will be open to assist beneficiaries with all enquiries. The contact number is 0800 60 10 11.
• Senior officials will be deployed at the call centres to make sure that all enquiries are attended to.
• Officials will also be on standby to receive calls that may come through the switchboard.
• Arrangements have been made to ensure that SOCPEN is available for investigation and verification of the status of the grant applications.
• A letter to the national police commissioner has been sent out for a request to increase police visibility across the country.

The department emphasises that normal business processes will continue, so any form of lapsing or suspensions that may occur might not imply a failure to pay by SASSA.

“The minister reiterated her unreserved apology for the anxiety and fear caused by the uncertainty around the payment of social grants. She expressed her gratitude in advance for the patience and cooperation of South Africa, especially the beneficiaries of social grants,” said Oliphant.