Warning against Post Office ‘queue marshals’

THE South African Post Office (SAPO) has urged grant beneficiaries not to pay bribes to self-appointed marshals who take people to the front of the queue.

The Post Office said this trend has become even more prevalent as the new round of applications for the Covid-19 R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant opens.

‘We advise beneficiaries not to consider paying such bribes. Paying or soliciting a bribe constitutes criminal activity,’ said SAPO spokesperson, Johan Kruger.

‘Anyone who is exposed to this practice should collect as much evidence as possible and report the incident to the police or contact the Post Office on its toll-free hotline.’

Kruger said the Post Office has two separate queues, one for customers who receive the Covid-19 grant, and one for other transactions.

‘This ensures the shortest possible waiting time for all customers,’ he said.

According to Kruger, individuals who used their cellphone to apply for their own grant, and chose the Post Office as collection point, 'can indicate when they apply that they would like to withdraw their grant from any Pick n Pay, Boxer, Checkers, Shoprite or Usave supermarket'.

‘Beneficiaries who share a cellphone to apply for the grant can only collect the grant from a Post Office branch,' said Kruger.

The R350 Special Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant was extended for one year, to March 2023.

Briefing the media last month, Social Development Minister, Lindiwe Zulu said additional qualifying and assessment criteria have been added. Those in need of assistance must apply for the grant, or reapply if they were already receiving the grant.

‘Fortunately we will be retaining our digital platforms for the application process,’ said Zulu.

‘The process is very simple, easily accessible and not dependent on access to a SASSA office or human being. Hence millions of people can apply in a very short space of time.

‘All applicants are reminded that they will be considered for the grant from the month in which the application is lodged.’