The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) regrets that beneficiaries are inconvenienced by large crowds at the Roodepoort central business district offices, a representative said.
Senior Marketing and Communications Manager Steve Mabona attempted to eradicate rumours of food vouchers being handed out to anyone who shows up at the Roodepoort offices. This follows reports at the beginning of May that the offices have closed during business hours. A growing crowd gathered outside the offices, demanding to be given food vouchers, which some have alleged were politically linked. The vouchers are said to be worth R1 400 and to date no voucher seeker could confirm a process by which they qualify. Mabona did not comment on the allegations that these vouchers are made possible by the ANC, but rather told the record that “vouchers” are in fact Social Relief of Distress grants, or SRDs.
“A SRD grant is issued in the form of a food voucher redeemable at a service provider that is registered with Sassa – these include Boxer, Pick n Pay and other local supermarkets.
“The voucher is equivalent to many types of social grants and is a Sassa method meant to relieve stress to vulnerable families [sic].”
Mabona said that SRDs are issued only in disaster-stricken areas (caused a fire or floods, for example), when a breadwinner is deceased or when a beneficiary is awaiting approval of his or her social grant. It also could be granted to a Disability Grant applicant should he or she be refused a social grant on medical grounds by a Sassa doctor. Where undue hardship can be proven, an SRD is sometimes issued to a destitute family.
When asked why Sassa responded to the chaos outside their offices by simply closing their doors and refusing any beneficiaries entry, Mabona said, “closing the office is only utilised as an interim measure.
“It is done for the safety of both our employees and beneficiaries.
“SRDs will remain part of Sassa’s offerings, however measures are to be put in place to manage it better.
“We regret that beneficiaries are inconvenienced and sincerely apologise to all affected parties.”
