Child grant blocked for three years without an explanation
She has received no clear explanation as to why she has not been able to renew her grandson's grant.
Many South African poverty-stricken families depend on child support grants to make ends meet.
What happens when this money is taken away from guardians that solely depend on the child grant? Dudu Zulu (69) the grandmother of Menzi Ntombela (16) of Sibongile in Dundee has been facing hardship ever since Menzi’s grant was blocked in 2015.
Miss Zulu has been going back and forth between the SASSA offices in Dundee and Glencoe. She has received no clear explanation as to why she has not been able to renew her grandson’s grant.
“In March 2015 Menzi’s grant money was blocked. When I went to the SASSA offices in Dundee I was told by Mr Xaba that the reason for the blockage is that the case is under investigation. I asked him what are they investigating and he couldn’t explain it to me,” said Miss Zulu, “he bluntly said he doesn’t know what the investigation is about and if they don’t know as a department who should I go to for answers?”
The Courier tried contacting him more than once last week but to no avail.
The frustrated grandmother showed anguish as she spoke about this.
“Menzi’s mother passed away in 2012 and I don’t even know his father.
“We survive on my pension money and we need this money as Menzi is still at school.
“I don’t know what else to do as I can’t even afford to buy him a school jersey with winter approaching,” she continued.
The Courier spoke with Vusi Mahayi from Ladysmith SASSA offices, who asked for Miss Zulu’s details as well as her grandson’s which were sent to him on Wednesday last week.
He said he would get back to the Courier but at this stage there has been nothing forthcoming from Mr Mahayi.
The Courier tried contacting him more than once last week but to no avail.
If there is anyone who is willing to assist Miss Zulu please contact her on 076 442 9876.
