Cops, municipal workers on database for the poor in Tshwane

More than 2 000 people, including municipal employees, police officers and nurses, were wrongfully placed on Tshwane’s indigent database, illegally benefiting from the policy aimed at serving underprivileged residents.

To cater for poor households, the city had in place the indigent programme, which allows eligible households to qualify for rebates, support or services subsidy.

Beneficiaries should earn a total monthly household income that does not exceed the joint amount of two old-age pensions, excluding child or foster care grants.

Beneficiaries are re-evaluated every 24 months to verify their economic and social position and, depending on their outcome, they will qualify to be re-registered.

But Tshwane mayor Solly Msimanga said the database would be scrutinised as a large number of beneficiaries did not fall under the required bracket.

Speaking at his public engagement with communities in Pretoria yesterday, Msimanga said the programme had not been dismantled, as stated by opposition parties, but fraud and inefficiencies would be addressed.

“We found there were more than 2 000 people on the indigent database that didn’t belong there.

“This includes municipal employees who earn a salary, police officers, nurses and people who run their own business. Our goal is to work towards a list that ensures that all those who qualify for social assistance receive the assistance they deserve, while removing those from the system who have benefited unlawfully,” he said.