South African Social Security Agency urges all SASSA beneficiaries to use their social grant money wisely during the festive season.
Mr Senzeni Ngubeni, spokesman for Mpumalanga SASSA said beneficiaries must note that the social grant payment is not meant for luxuries or to pay back loan sharks, but must be used to buy basic needs.
“Social grants are an intervention for poverty alleviation,” said Mr Ngubeni.
“Parents and legal guardians for child support grant beneficiaries must remember that the social grant is not meant for their own needs, but for the child’s needs. The child must have proper clothes and nutritious food.”
Mr Ngubeni gave the following tips for protecting your cash during the festive season:
* Be wary of people loitering around the ATM and ensure that you are not followed
* Check your balance regularly and report discrepancies to your Bank immediately
* After you have successfully completed your transaction, leave the ATM area immediately .
* Be cautious of strangers requesting that you return to the ATM to finish or close the transaction, because they are unable make a transaction. Skimming may occur during this.
* Some fraudsters wait to take advantage of you after you have withdrawn your cash
* Take your time to complete your transaction, and then secure your card and your cash in your wallet, handbag or pocket before leaving the ATM.
If you need any more information, contact the toll-free on 0800 60 10 11 from 08:00 – 16:00 on week days.
