Grant recipients are urged to wear their masks properly and observe social distancing as they queue to receive their grants at pay points, ATMs and retail stores.
Social development spokesperson Witness Tiva said the department’s agency, SASSA has staggered the payment of grants to ease pressure of long queues at pay points and also to prioritise the elderly and people living with disabilities.
The elderly will receive their grants on Tuesday, 3 February, people living with disabilities on Wednesday, 4 February and all other grants will be paid from Thursday, 5 February.
MEC Rakgoale said it is important for recipients of other grants not to go to the pay points on the dates that have been designated for older persons and people living with disabilities.
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“The department has noted with great concern the non-adherence to social distancing and people not properly wearing their masks, like putting them on their chins in public spaces like malls, shopping complexes and at ATMs and retail stores.,” she said.
She further said they urge those who can afford to wait a day or two for shopping, not to flock to these areas on the dates above and to collect their money later when the long queues shall have been reduced.
“The money will remain in their accounts even beyond the said dates. It is always important to remember that older persons have been described as the most vulnerable to this deadly virus, hence we are urging them to take extra precautions during this period.” said MEC Rakgoale.
