Current processes at the South African Social Services Agency (SASSA) place further strain on the lives and livelihoods of residents of the Western Cape, and Minister Lindiwe Zulu is allowing for the lapse of at least 52 000 disability grants. This number represents the very means to live for persons with disabilities in the province, who will be unable to access the funds they need to survive.
The lapsing of these grants has led to a desperate situation. Individuals have to seek medical certificates and reapply at SASSA application venues – all at a time when our health sector is under strain and Covid-19 infections are rife.
This is unacceptable and tantamount to an infringement on the rights of residents.
In my capacity as the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Social Development, I will be writing to SASSA to give the standing committee an urgent update on the applications in the Western Cape that have lapsed. In this, I will also be requesting a brief on which measures the agency has in place at the SASSA offices in the province to ensure adherence to Covid-19 protocols and limit the spread of the virus.
SASSA mismanagement has seen Covid-19 protocols flouted and tremendously long lines at venues. In his latest address, the President once again re-visited the need for these protocols to be strictly followed, especially considering that we are currently seeing a much worse Covid-19 wave than we did in the first. Instead of following this advice, more resources are put into patrolling quiet beaches than ensuring Covid-19 protocols are being followed at SASSA offices.
National government needs to seriously reconsider its priorities.
During this time where many people are still feeling and are going through the devastating effects of this pandemic, we need to ensure that a secure, reliable safety net is available for those who need it most. The extension of the disability grant, as well as ensuring proper protocols, should be part of these easily avoidable issues which will help lessen the devastating effects of the pandemic.
We will remain committed to ensuring those at SASSA Western Cape and the national Department of Social Development are held accountable for their actions.
