Social development department concerned about misuse of disability grants
MEC for Social Development in the province, Nkakareng Rakgoale has urged caretakers of people with disabilities to always ensure that they use the grants for a good purpose.
This comes after an apparent increase of cases in the Mopani district where some caretakers of persons with intellectual disabilities are misusing the social grants collected for the beneficiaries.
“It must be understood that most of these recipients are able to comprehend fully that there are funds due to them and if it is not explained to them or if their money is squandered, they have a right to be concerned as the money is meant to assist them.
“Police and social workers are telling us that such cases are on the rise in the Mopani cluster of our province”, said Rakgoale.
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The department implores caretakers and families to seek the assistance of our social workers to resolve such issues. If it is found that a crime had been committed, the law enforcement agencies will be called in to deal with such.
Unscrupulous and dishonest caretakers need to be replaced and the rights of persons with disabilities protected at all costs.
“Their grant money is indispensable to them, especially during this time and those who find to be making themselves guilty of abuse of persons with disabilities or misuse grant money, will face the full might of the law,” warned Rakgoale.
She said that the situation is not unique to the Mopani district. Caretakers and families are therefore urged to treat the situation with sensitivity.
“For any further handling of such cases, our social workers at all the nearest centres, are ready to assist.”
