While millions of South Africans rely on social grants for their survival, criminals are targeting vulnerable senior citizens. Many Lenasia senior citizens have not received their grants during the past few months. Some of the victims have alleged that their money has been withrawn in other provinces. They have had to go to cancel their SASSA cards and register for new ones.
Mosia said, “The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) acknowledges claims by beneficiaries of their social grant money being drawn despite them having their cards. SASSA can not validate these claims until beneficiaries visit their nearest post office with their ID, SASSA card and affidavit indicating the claims made on money lost. Their details will be recorded and an investigation conducted to ascertain these claims. Feedback from the investigation will be given to the claimant upon finalization of the investigation. The beneficiary will further be advised to change the card and get a new card to avoid any repeat mishaps.”
Speaking to the Rising Sun, one of the victims, Zohra Suliman, said that she had not received any money during the past three months. Her money had been withdrawn in the Eastern Cape and in Cape Town. Ms Suliman said that her card has been duplicated. She still has the original card, but she cannot access her money.
Ms Suliman said that the situation has affected her negatively. “I have bills to pay and a domestic worker to pay, but now I cannot afford to do that. My landline has been blocked and I am relying on the assistance of my family for survival.”
Beneficiaries who are unable to access their grant money for any reason are advised to:
- visit the nearest police station to make an affidavit;
- take their barcoded or smart card IDs together with the completed affidavit to their nearest SASSA office;
- produce proof of banking details.
The agency has assured all beneficiaries that they will get their social grants for July as officials are ready to assist them.
Update to follow.
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