SASOLBURG. – The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) says it has come to the agency’s attention that fake news is circulating on Social Media, particularly on WhatsApp, claiming that SASSA is offering learners free school uniforms and stationery.
SASSA’s Spokesperson in the Free State, Ms Motshewa Maleka, says this chain message is fake news and therefore SASSA distances itself from it. “It is disturbing that some insensitive people find time to compile such fake news and play with the emotions of the needy,” says Ms Maleka.
“This fake news coincided with the reopening of schools and has the potential of sending desperate parents to SASSA offices instead of taking their children to school. The timing itself shows malicious intent and builds mistrust between SASSA and the public.
”The message originates from a January 2018 tweet from a Themba Rumbu’s Twitter account which is now circulating on WhatsApp to create anxiety, confusing social grant beneficiaries. Ms Maleka says this impacts service delivery because SASSA officials have to spend time turning away the needy instead of officials focusing on delivering services.
“The sad thing is that poor people have to incur unnecessary transport costs to get to SASSA offices only to be turned away due to this fake news.
”Recipients of this fake message are requested to delete it immediately and not circulate it any further.
* Social grant beneficiaries are requested to be wary of false social media messages that sound too good to be true. For more information call the SASSA toll-free line on 0800 60 10 11 or 051 410 8339 to confirm the authenticity of any social media message from SASSA when it sounds too good to be true.
