SASSA is on top of unauthorised deductions
Key issues that were addressed included areas of payment, unauthorised deductions on beneficiaries’ grants, Easy Pay cards, unenrolled beneficiaries and the foster care project.
THE South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) met with the media on Tuesday, July 21, in an attempt to foster a better relationship with media houses.
Key issues that were addressed included areas of payment, unauthorised deductions on beneficiaries’ grants, Easy Pay cards, unenrolled beneficiaries and the foster care project.
The Gauteng regional executive manager for SASSA, Themba Matlou, said they wanted to provide information that is correct and accessible to the public. “As pillars of government we want to educate the public and demystify any negative connotation with regards to SASSA and improve media coverage in Gauteng. We need to eradicate the scourge of corruption and fraud. Together with our beneficiaries we will eliminate this problem,” he said.
The services of SASSA are free and they acknowledge that syndicates swindle their system. “As an agency we are taking fraud and corruption problems seriously. We work with the police to combat this and we also discourage our officials and citizens of breaking the law,” Matlou said.
SASSA indicated that they are on top of the unauthorised deductions on beneficiaries’ grants. They said they never do deductions, however, any beneficiary who suspects any deductions need to come forward in order for the matter to be investigated and a refund administered. The turnaround time for a case like this is three months.
Pensioners need to know that if they withdraw their money at any bank, or if they use other cards there will be charges.
Beneficiaries need to be careful with their cellphones as there are persons who take advantage of and will purchase or register for airtime.
SASSA doesn’t provide any loans and recommends that companies who are at fault must be blacklisted. Easy Pay Cards are not SASSA cards and they are not a replacement for SASSA cards either. There are persons who lure pensioners to use these cards. If this happens, pensioners need to call SASSA immediately. Remember SASSA cards are replaced only at SASSA premises or at pay points.
SASSA is clearing the backlog of foster care children and encourages families with expired court orders to come forward.
For more information visit SASSA at 28 Harrison Street in Johannesburg or contact them on 0800601011, 011 241 8300, 078 731 5908, 083 518 3152 or 072 311 3028.
