Local councillors highlight SASSA roll-out woes
SASSA beneficiaries still using the old card have until the end of September to exchange it for the new one.
LOCAL Democratic Alliance councillors, Melanie Brauteseth, of ward 18, and Marlaine Nair, of wards 13 and 15, accompanied the DA Shadow Minister of Social Development, Bridget Masango MP, on an oversight inspection of the Pinetown SASSA offices.
The visit followed SASSA’s recent migration from CPS (cash Paymaster system) to the new South African Post office (SAPO) distribution system.
“The DA wanted to assess whether the challenges in the new distribution system were fixed and also the general quality of services to beneficiaries and applicants,” said Masango.
SASSA’s district manager, Thami Chilli, and Pinetown SASSA office manager, Zodwa Macaringue, admitted there were a number of issues experienced since the roll-out of the new distribution system.
The most noteable of these complications was when a number of people did not receive their grants. The operating hours at the Pinetown branch have since been extended.
ALSO READ: SASSA warns of new card scam
Applicants can appeal a declined grant application. Contact SASSA on 080 060 1011.
Nair warned residents against making fraudulent applications and said that ultimately the goal was to provide better social services to fewer people.
“Those that are able to work must try to find work or create work for themselves,” she said.
Branch manager, Shaun Deeplall, of the Ashwood post office thanked Nair for helping arrange the roll-out of card swaps in Motala Heights, Nagina and Mariannridge recently.
Grant recipients with the old SASSA cards can exchange their old cards for new ones at a post office. The old SASSA cards will not be valid after 30 September 2018. Those who receive payment into their bank accounts or other cards will not be affected.
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