‘Don’t panic over SASSA grants’
Residents of the South are asked to remain calm, to be cautious of people feeding them false information and criminals scamming the elderly.
PENSIONERS and others receiving grants from SASSA (South Africa Social Services Agency) need not panic, as grants will be paid out at the end of April, according to the agency.
After receiving numerous queries about the rumours that SASSA is on the verge of bankruptcy, the COURIER spoke to SASSA Gauteng spokesperson, Nandi Mosia, to clarify things for Southerners who are concerned about their grant income.
Nandi first addressed rumours that the agency is bankrupt. She said this is misinformation that is leaving people, especially the elderly, confused.
Although there is growing concern about the agency’s ability to pay its beneficiaries in April, Nandi said people who are dependent on the SASSA grants need not panic. She confirmed that they will receive their income come end of April, as Minister Bathabile Dlamini said.
Nandi added that she is concerned about the number of scammers being arrested in possession of SASSA cards and who are cheating the elderly.
“We urge the public to be vigilant and keep their SASSA cards or PIN number safe and not share them with anyone. Also bear in mind that it is illegal to leave your SASSA card with a moneylender in exchange for a loan. Protect your card to protect your grant,” said Nandi.
By way of example, Nandi said that on Friday, March 3, a moneylender from Matolesville was arrested at the Absa ATM in Roodepoort CBD for being in possession of 46 SASSA cards, R12 748 in cash and 49 identity books. The woman is currently being detained at the Roodepoort police station and will appear in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court.
Similar arrests have since been made.
With regard to the elderly who may be concerned about their cards expiring, Nandi said the cards will only expire at the end of the year, regardless of the agency’s funds distributor. Whenever cards are due to expire, all cardholders will be notified and replacement cards will be distributed to everyone.
People who need more information about their grants and renewal of cards can contact SASSA at the grants toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11.
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