BOTH South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) employees and grant recipients have been asked to remain calm by the acting KZN MEC for Social Development, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, following the Constitutional Court judgement last Friday which ensures that there will be no disruptions in grant payments come April 1.
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The court has ordered Cash Paymaster Services (CPS)‚ performing as an agent of the state, to continue paying social grants for the next 12 months.
In 2014, the Concourt declared the CPS and Net1 contracts invalid, citing irregularities in the tender awarding processes. However, following the department’s inability to arrange in-house grant payments and widespread panic by beneficiaries uncertain whether they would get their money, the court extended the contract under strict supervision.
To make matters worse, last Wednesday SASSA Marburg and Mtwalume office staff belonging to the National Health, Education and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) went on strike, complaining about a number of issues, including their working conditions.
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The strike led to service delivery disruptions and closure of these offices.
The department has since issued a statement assuring officials that their grievances will be dealt with.
MEC Dhlomo condemned the action.
“I am deeply disappointed that workers in a department that serves the most vulnerable in society can conduct themselves in the way we have witnessed. That is totally unacceptable.”
A ministerial task team has been set up to ensure the smooth transition of grant payments.
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