South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) CEO Busisiwe Memela-Khambula has warned the public against a fake poster circulating on social media, claiming that people can apply for social relief of distress electronically.
She said this is not true because in order to apply for the social relief distress, you have to visit a Sassa office.
Sassa says the agency will continue to provide social relief of distress in the form of food vouchers to needy families.
“Instead of food parcels, SASSA currently provides vouchers for social relief of distress. They are redeemable at selected service providers, however in KZN these service providers had their food stocks looted and infrastructure vandalised during the past week’s unrest, thereby halting this kind of service in that province,” said Memela-Khambula.
“This has worsened the situation of vulnerable and needy families who don’t have a means of income and rely on government interventions,”
Meanwhile, previously suspended cash-in-transit (CIT) services resumed on 19 July at Sassa cash pay points, except in KZN.
This after CIT companies suspended cash delivery to pay points last week.
“The situation is now relatively under control and new payment dates have been circulated to affected beneficiaries especially in rural areas. Gauteng and the Western Cape have already received this service at their cash pay points,” said Memela-Khambula.
