Social Development MEC visits Ivory Park

Gauteng’s MEC for Social Development Nandi Mayathula and the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) regional executive manager Themba Matlou were at Ivory Park Stadium on 23 May as part of the agency’s Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme.

The outreach was one of many held at different locations to assist clients with queries regarding their grants and to teach them about the new services of the agency and the card. Since the agency has integrated with the post office, a new visa card was introduced.

Mayathula said the new card can be used anywhere. “This new card allows users to get their money at a nearby post office, supermarkets, or ATMs, which means that clients no longer need to stand in long queues to receive their grant money.”

She added that the agency no longer loans clients money. The card will also allow one debit order for a funeral policy, but clients will have to apply for permission.

Among other services, the agency will now help donate school uniforms to children from disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as give out food parcels in cases of disasters, such as a person’s house burning down, Matlou said.

Matlou urged councillors to let residents take part in procuring uniforms and food to create employment in the community. He further asked for for an agency office to be built in Ivory Park, so residents won’t have to spend money to travel far.

Before the event came to an end, two elderly women, Thela Mlomo Sarah (101) and Tsele Salukwati (100), were showered with food baskets, flowers and blankets to celebrate their milestones in life.