Funds run out at paypoints

In Tshwane’s Ga-Rankuwa City shopping centre the snaking queue was no better than other months, with hundreds of elderly residents waiting in line from as early as 5.30am.

Many of the elderly said that even though they were grateful their money was being paid out first, they were still struggling to get things done.

Elizabeth Medupe, who accompanied her grandmother, said they found it difficult to keep up with social distancing and overcrowding.

“I’m glad they’re getting their money, but I wish the government had kept everyone else at home.

“Right now there’s just too much activity going on.”

Across the country many paypoints saw elderly beneficiaries wait in long queues, some from just after midnight. And some were turned away when the money ran out.

Hundreds of beneficiaries were seen forming a long queue outside the paypoint at Jabulani Mall, Soweto, with little adherence to social distancing. No officials were there to assist the elderly and the physically challenged.

The majority of them were happier with the new system, saying that having only the elderly and the physically challenged made the process a lot quicker.

Rose Mavuso, 82, who was accompanied by her grandson, said they arrived at about 10am and were fortunate that the line at the post office was moving quickly. “We even managed to do grocery shopping. The only disappointment was that we could not buy takeaway food,” Mavuso said, adding that she would be home in time to drink her afternoon medication.

Meanwhile, the DA has issued an ultimatum to Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu to open Sassa offices or face legal action.

DA spokesperson on social development Bridget Masango said there was a need to open Sassa offices countrywide to deal with the flood of applications for social grants and welfare relief during the Covid-19 lockdown period. Zulu had not responded for a comment by 5pm yesterday. |