South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Covid-19 SRD grant beneficiaries are urged to be patient, especially those who are being turned away by the post office due to funds not reflecting.
A number of beneficiaries are frustrated why monies due to them do not reflect in the system and are given statements which show a balance of R0.00. Andile Nzama from Cato Manor said he has been turned back three times and each time he was told there were no funds. “The last time I collected money was in November and if my application was not approved, how come I was paid in November? So from December to May I have not been paid.” SASSA spokesperson Sandy Godlwana said all unpaid Covid-19 SRD grant beneficiaries will still be paid. “The special Covid-19 SRD grant ended on 30 April and SASSA has noticed that some unpaid but approved applicants are panicking and as a result tend to gather at post offices requesting payment. All such applicants of the special Covid-19 SRD grant, who have been approved but not yet paid can rest assured that they will be paid as soon as possible.” She confirmed that payment will be made for all approved grants as soon as confirmation of funding has been made as these payments are from the previous financial year. “As part of the government measures to prevent and combat the spread of Covid-19, SASSA was mandated to provide the special Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant from May 2020 to October 2020 initially, and further extended to January 2021 and April 2021 respectively. “Even after the grant has ended, payments will be made to those deserving approved clients. The payment may not necessarily come as a double payment or a lump sum or on the same day. It can be split over days or weeks. SASSA wishes to unreservedly apologise to all unpaid clients of the special Covid-19 SRD grant for any inconvenience this may have caused,” explained Godlwana.
