The Democratic Liberal Congress (DLC) has warned residents to be wary of fake news regarding the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) card expiry. This after the DLC offices were inundated with calls and visits from concerned beneficiaries inquiring about the expiry of their SASSA cards.
Leader of the DLC, Councillor Patrick Pillay said that grant recipients must not be misled by fake news and that the official announcement will come directly from the South African Social Security Agency. “The SASSA card is valid. Since the pandemic, there has been an increase in misinformation and fake news circulating on social media on the stoppage of the SASSA grant because beneficiaries have not renewed their SASSA grant cards. This is causing great confusion and fear amongst our pensioners and grant recipients within our communities,” said Pillay.
Pillay said that fake news and misinformation has become a huge problem. “This kind of misinformation exploits vulnerable people encountering financial stress. Fake news further deepens the divisions in our society and create undue social and physical problems for our community. Information on the card replacement will be made public by SASSA, therefore our community must not panic. “We will continue to protect, empower and champion the rights of the community. If any person is uncomfortable or uncertain about the veracity of SASSA cards they can call our offices for further advice on 031 500 2691, ” Pillay said.
