Pretoria – More than R4 billion has been paid to South Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries this month, says the Department of Social Development.
“By close of business on 3 April, more than 2.6 million beneficiaries were paid to the value of R3.1 billion. On 4 April, more than one million beneficiaries were paid to the value of R1.2 billion,” the department said in a statement.
According to the department, cash payment of social grants went ahead smoothly as scheduled from 3 April.
“Millions of beneficiaries accessed their money at SASSA cash pay points across the country without incident. This brought to an end any anxiety and uncertainty which may have lingered amongst beneficiaries who were concerned about the payment of their grants this month,” the department said.
Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini visited pay points in Soweto and Soshanguve in Gauteng and interacted with beneficiaries as they received their money.
She reiterated that government will continue to ensure that social assistance is given even beyond this period. She once again apologised for the anxiety and uncertainty caused.
“The Minister also took the opportunity to educate and inform beneficiaries that only the SASSA branded card with the Coat of Arms was the legitimate card and any other card does not belong to government,” the department said.
Meanwhile, Social Development Deputy Minister Hendrietta Bogopane–Zulu and Telecommunications and Postal Services Minister Siyabonga Cwele visited pay points in Mpumalanga.
“Many beneficiaries were elated and relieved to receive their grants and business was also booming around the pay points.
“These pay points continue to serve as meeting places for beneficiaries and promote social cohesion and bring about business opportunities for a large number of vendors, thus making a huge contribution to their local economies,” the department said.
Minister Dlamini said she was humbled by the reception and the respect they received in communities as they embarked on the monitoring process.
"We cannot take for granted the determination by officials of government across all departments. Their efforts did not go unnoticed," Minister Dlamini said.
Payment of social grants will continue across the country until the end of the current payment cycle on 22 April 2017. Beneficiaries and members of the public are encouraged to call the SASSA call centre on 0800 60 10 11 for any enquiries related to their social grants. – SAnews.gov.za
