Ongoing issues when it comes to the payment of SASSA grants – to some of KZN’s most vulnerable citizens – continue to cause havoc as we enter 2024.
With the new year barely out of the starting blocks, the DA is already inundated with complaints regarding the non-payment of January SASSA grants. In one case, Hammarsdale residents had to queue for hours, only to be told they might receive payment in February – and if not, they would have to reapply for their grants.
For many, SASSA grants – funded by national government – are the only source of income for themselves and their families. The timing could also not be worse as this month marks the return to school for thousands of children who need school uniforms and supplies.
The payment crisis is not new – SASSA also experienced issues last year and there are some who have still not been reimbursed for the months they did not receive their grants.
Our province is already suffering massive poverty, with many citizens barely able to survive. This while numerous non-profit organisations (NPO’s) face financial ruin, compounded by delayed funding from government.
Despite numerous appeals by the DA – at both a provincial and national level – to sort out this ongoing mess, nothing has changed.
This devastating situation is the result of an ANC government that does not care – KZN’s people need to know this as we head towards the elections. Provincial government should be fighting on their behalf yet it has done nothing.
The DA again calls on provincial Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza to escalate this ongoing crisis to the national Minister of Social Development. A solution must be found.
Only the DA cares for the people of our province. KZN’s citizens need to register and vote for real change in this years’ elections and allow us the opportunity to rescue our province.