Sassa payments at cash pay points suspended due to unrest

POLOKWANE – The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) said the Cash In Transit (CIT) industry has informed them that they will not be providing any cash delivery services to the SASSA cash pay points until further notice. This is due to the escalating unrest in the country.

In a statement, Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi said the decision was made to ensure the safety of Sassa beneficiaries as well as CIT industry employees.

“Beneficiaries are urged to remain calm and await communication as to when the payment at pay points will resume. Sassa beneficiaries are reminded that their cards can be used to purchase goods or receive cash from merchants or bank ATMs. Beneficiaries are, however, urged to ensure that it is safe for them to frequent any of these alternative facilities and to follow Covid-19 protocols at all times,” Letsatsi explained.

Ssassa CEO, Totsie Memela requested beneficiaries not to panic and stay safe.

“We have to protect our beneficiaries as they might be caught up in the cross fire, especially those in high risk areas. Payments will be made as soon as the situation is calm and it is safe,” Memela added.

Memela said Sassa has to be careful as they have noticed an increase in the number of heists against the post office and CIT vehicles in the past months.

“Sassa started with their monthly payments last week on the sixth for older persons, followed by disability grants on the seventh. From the eighth, all other grants payments were made,” Letsatsi concluded.