Weekend face-saver allows Dlamini extra days

The Department of Social Development (DSD) under Minister Bathabile Dlamini has done an about-face over statements that the South African Social Services Agency (Sassa) would be making payments on its more than 17 million grants on Saturday.

“Considering that April 1 is a Saturday and for this reason, as in all occasions when the grant payment date falls over a weekend, Sassa pay points will NOT open [sic],” the DSD said.

Instead, next Monday Sassa pay points would be operating normally and grant recipients were advised to go on their allocated day to their allocated pay point as indicated on their slips last month.

“Special focus and provision will be made for the busiest merchants and ATMs around the country.

“Regional executive managers will be deployed to monitor and assist beneficiaries,” a statement read.

“The department emphasises that normal business processes will continue, so any form of lapsing or suspensions that may occur may NOT imply a failure to pay by Sassa [sic].”

“The Minister [Dlamini] wishes to reiterate her unreserved apology for the anxiety and fear caused about the uncertainty around the payment of social grants.

“She wished to express her gratitude in advance for the patience and cooperation of South Africa especially the beneficiaries of social grants,” the Sassa statement read.

Dlamini has only until Friday to respond to the Constitutional Court’s demand she should explain why she should not pay costs of the application from her own pocket.

The Sassa call centre will be open to assist beneficiaries with all inquiries.

The contact number is 080060-10-11.