Pretoria - Work is underway to introduce amendments to the Social Assistance Regulations to stop credit providers from marketing their products within defined perimeters of SASSA offices and pay-points.
Presenting her department’s Budget Vote on Wednesday, Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini reported to the members of the National Assembly that during her visit to many poor rural and urban communities, she received many complaints from beneficiaries about deductions being made by credit providers from their social welfare payments.
The deductions include loans, funeral schemes, electricity and airtime from social grants payments, often without the beneficiaries’ knowledge or consent.
On the other hand, Minister Dlamini said continued efforts to improve the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the integrity of the social security system are encouraging.
“We cancelled 850 000 grants and we saved R2 billion that was returned to the fiscus in September 2013, plus an additional saving of R1 billion (unspent funds) as at the end of the financial year,” Minister Dlamini said.
With the new system, all social grant beneficiaries can now receive their grants from the first day of the month, through various convenient payment channels.
Currently, over 80% of the beneficiaries draw their grants within the first seven days of the month.
A key feature of the current payment model is the use of the biometric system, which is a great way to combat fraud and corruption. The biometric system is a more accurate and reliable way of beneficiary authentication.
Challenges with the new system
However, while applauding the positive changes, Minister Dlamini acknowledged the challenges that come with the new.
Some of the complaints received by the minister include the long toll free number, which makes it difficult for most people to memorise; and some beneficiaries, particularly the elderly, cannot remember their identity numbers.
“I have since instructed SASSA to review the implementation of the system with a view to remove the burden from the beneficiaries. As promised last year, I have appointed a ministerial committee to advise on a future payment model for social assistance benefits in South Africa.
“The committee has been working in earnest and I expect to receive their preliminary report before the end of this month,” she said.
Project Mikondzo
Meanwhile, the department has been able to reach 730 wards in the 23 poorest districts between September 2013 and March 2014, through Project Mikondzo.
Minister Dlamini said that through the project, they came face to face with the plight of thousands of seasonal farmworkers.
“This led us to introduce the pilot programme in De Doorns to provide support to seasonal workers. The lessons learned and experience gained from Project Mikondzo will enable the Social Development Sector to develop a Service Improvement Plan.
“We are working in collaboration with the University of the KwaZulu-Natal on this project.
“We will respond to President Zuma’s call for the creation of decent job opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme and Community Works Programme,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
