Payment problems
SCORES of people packed the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offices in Queenstown on Tuesday to enquire about the non-payment of social grants.
Beneficiaries had travelled from far to collect money at pay points but were puzzled by the lack of money in their accounts.
Wendy Mnyiki from Mlungisi was shocked when she discovered an almost empty account in which her cousin’s disability grant is deposited. “When we went to draw there was only R7. We were not told the reasons.”
Officials at Sassa took their phone numbers and promised to call later when the problem was resolved. “We want to know what is going on. My cousin depends on the grant and she does not have food now.’’
Thandiswa Witbooi who had queued since 8am walked out of the building with a look of disillusionment. She said by midday she had yet to receive an explanation on why she had not received her two-yearold child’s grant since January.
An angry Michael Olivier from Aloevale said the situation has worsened his financial troubles. “I have been in this queue for a long time to find out what’s happening. I have six grandchildren. We don’t have food to eat. It’s up to them (SASSA) to give us our money if they want to.”
His words were echoed by Nomathamsanqa Magopeni from Uni-found.
“I feel as if I’m going to die. There is no food at home, the children don’t have school clothes. It is not a nice thing to have to ask for food from neighbours.”
She said pensioners were burdened with a lot of challenges and the government had given them the cold shoulder. “Sometimes we have to fight criminals who try to rob us of our money - now we are being robbed by the government.’’
Some people said they had received only half their money, while others said large amounts had been deducted from their accounts.
Zandisile Qhimgqoshe from Ilinge who had gone to collect his neighbour’s disability grant said they were greeted by an empty account on Monday.
“We went again on Tuesday and the money was deposited but was short by R200.”
Siphiwo Mcitheka said he had been told to wait for a call. The 63-year-old said the situation had caused his blood pressure to rise. “I don’t know what is going on. Sometimes I am told someone is drawing my money from a retail store in town. My money is always short.”
By Wednesday afternoon the situation had forced some beneficiaries to turn to cash loan operators. A large number, mostly elderly, were seen at cash loan businesses in the CBD.
Nolizwe Sompondo from Whittlesea said she had no means to send her child back to Fort Hare University in East London. “I only received R400 so I have to borrow so we have something to eat. I have become a laughing stock because I go around asking for food.’’
Sassa spokesman Thamsanqa Singeni said challenges were experienced which resulted in some beneficiaries not getting their payments. “Beneficiaries were briefed by Sassa officials about the technical glitch.”
He said the matter was resolved by Tuesday. However, on Wednesday some beneficiaries had told The Rep that they still had not received their grants.
He said beneficiaries still experiencing challenges should visit the nearest Sassa office.