Sassa to the rescue
Officials assist pensioners with new cards
SOUTH African Social Security Agency (Sassa) officials braved stormy winds and inclement weather in order to assist people after taking their office to Dimbaza and Breidbach in King William’s Town last Friday and again on Tuesday.
Information on all governmental grant beneficiaries was collected and downloaded onto the system, allowing for the immediate issuing of new Sassa cards to residents.
Sassa district official Allistaire Jacobs told the pensioners it was imperative to change to the new card in order to curb fraud since there were many fraudulent cards doing the rounds.
South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) Ward 44 branch was instrumental in assisting Sassa by mobilizing communities from all areas to the community hall.
Sanco secretary Stacey Gosling said that, after pleas from numerous residents in the ward that have been negatively affected by the government grant pay-outs over the past months, she has arranged with the district offices to assist in the matter.
“People from Acorn Valley, Qalashe, Siyathemba, Tshatshu, Sweetwaters and Breidbach encountered problems with obtaining their grant, such as some only receiving half of it or having mony deducted, so we acted on their behalf and liaised with the district office,” Gosling said.
“They were helpful and immediately gave us the guarantee to bring the office to our area.”
Residents appreciated the gesture by the department officials in bringing the offices to their doorstep. Sanco was also commended for the stirling job they are doing.
Wheelchair-bound Qalashe resident George Jurie said: “I appreciate the fact that Sassa is coming to us. I couldn’t imagine how difficult it would be for me in going to them.”
Alfred Cox, 63, also has difficulty walking after suffering a stroke a couple of years ago and shared the same sentiments.
“I really thank Sanco for fighting the challenges we are facing and also the department officials for coming to our areas,” said Cox.