SEDIBENG.- In response to the State of National Disaster as announced by President Ramaphosa on 15 March 2020, SASSA has said that it has engaged with the relevant stakeholders – including the retail and banking sector and the consumer goods council, to determine a feasible approach to pay social grants earlier in order to avoid congestion at retail stores and other pay points.
SASSA will pay social grants to older persons and persons with disabilities from 30 and 31 March. The other beneficiaries will be able to access their grants from 01 April 2020.
The Minister of the Department of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu said: “We are aware that the impact of COVID19 will be felt much harder by the most vulnerable in society – especially the elderly, hence we have decided for earlier payments for older persons and persons with disabilities to ease congestion and overcrowding. I also wish to thank sectors – most importantly, the banking and retail sectors, for working with us in this regard. We will monitor all pay points especially those in the rural areas and work with all MECs of Social Development and Provincial and Regional SASSA offices to ensure that payments are distributed in line with the Disaster Management Act provisions and make sure that all the necessary precautions are in place.”
Zulu also said that for other grant recipients additional measures will be implemented to manage numbers at all pay points. “This is to ensure that hygiene protocols for everyone are strictly followed and social distancing is maintained”, said Minister Zulu.
