Curwin Kok, who is in his 40s, and has been diagnosed with a serious mental illness, has had endless problems obtaining a disability grant from SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) in Randfontein.
Kok has been diagnosed with various serious mental illnesses and cannot survive without his medication. He also has diabetes. The seriousness of his mental illness makes it impossible for him to function in a working environment.
According to Kok, he has been referred to SASSA by a doctor three times. Kok says that he is battling with transport, and to go to SASSA every time, costs him money that he does not have.
Kok said, “Physically and financially I am not in a good place.” This is very clear from the cuts and bruises on his arms. People suffering from mental illnesses have a tendency to self harm. Kok also said that he has not eaten for four days. A disability grant would make the world of difference in Kok’s life.
The Herald recently reported on another matter, where the resident only had one leg. After the article appeared in the newspaper, the Assistant Manager of SASSA’s Operations Management district office in Randfontein, Brenda Chaka, contacted the Herald and is currently trying to rectify that matter.
These are the formal conditions under which a person with a disability should receive a disability grant:
• The person must be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee
• The person must be resident in South Africa
• The person must be between the ages of 18 and 59
• The person must submit a medical assessment/ report confirming the disability
• The medical assessment must not be older than 3 months at date of application
• If the person has a spouse, the couple must meet the requirements of the means test
• The person must not be maintained or cared for in a State institution
• The person must not be in receipt of another social grant in respect of him- or herself
The Herald has contacted Brenda Chaka to bring this matter to her attention, Chaka then refered the Herald to the Senior Manager Communications.
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