The DA’s Western Cape Spokesperson on Social Development, Dan Plato, says he will invite the South African Social Security agency (SASSA) to appear before the standing committee on Social Development to explain the delays in processing applications for the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants In the province.
‘’The last few weeks have brought to light disturbing reports
of grant recipients struggling to access their funds, with SASSA policies
forcing people to reapply under a new legislative framework. The Democratic
Alliance in the Western Cape considers it imperative to resolve this situation
as quickly as possible,’’ said Plato.
The grant was initially introduced and distributed under
the Disaster Management Act to provide relief to poor people and those left
vulnerable due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During his State of the Nation address in February, President
Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the R350 grant would be extended to the end of
March 2023. More than 10 million people depend on this money.
“Many in our province rely on the SRD grant to alleviate
the economic burden of the State of Disaster and its aftermath. However, it
would appear that no provision has been made for the legislative challenges
brought on by the ending of the State of Disaster, and that too many
beneficiaries have been forced to struggle with red tape in order to access
their money,’’ said Plato.
‘’Many have not yet received their payments for April, even
as the next month looms. For this reason, the legislature will be inviting
SASSA to understand how this situation
will be resolved and in order to explain their approach to these challenges,”
added Plato.
PICTURE: SASSADone By: Mitchum George
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