The Democratic Alliance is cracking the whip on social grant agencies that are accused of mistreating the most vulnerable people in society.
During an onsite inspection of the Stanger branch of the South African Social Grant Agency (SASSA) on Tuesday afternoon, which serves more than 52 000 people, DA shadow minister of social development, Bridget Masango, and member of parliament Dean Macpherson met with staff and the agency manager to address complaints of unprofessional conduct, poor infrastructure and long queues.
“Sassa has been on the news for all the wrong reasons and we wanted to see for ourselves how beneficiaries are being treated. We have visited some of the main branches in Pinetown, Phoenix and Stanger and we are not happy.
Also read: The SASSA rush – what you need to know
“It comes down to a lack of communication and people not getting the answers or the services they need. Some months back, more than 700 000 beneficiaries had not received their money. People are also confused when R10 is deducted from the grant for service charges.
“These people sometimes wait days to get to the front of the queue only to be told to go back home with nothing,” said Masango.
After a private meeting with assistant branch manager N Kistin, Macpherson and Masango were told the Stanger offices saw at least 1 000 people a day.
They were assured that everything was running smoothly and that management has not received complaints from the public.
However, the story outside was different. Mother of triplets Olwethu Macebo said she had been turned away from the Sassa office three times.
“We wait here from 3am every morning with our new-born triplets to apply for a grant.
“I do not have a permanent job but I was told to bring back a letter of employment. No one speaks to us properly and we are frustrated.”
Macpherson said Macebo’s case was just one of the many he has heard about from residents. H
e said members of parliament should not have to be stepping in for people to be helped.
“We will be forcing these agencies to act accordingly and to do what they are being paid to do even if it means we are here every month.”
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