Black Slash urges social grant beneficiaries to respond to SASSA’s review notices - EWN

Human rights organisation Black Sash is urging social grant beneficiaries to respond to the South African Social Service Agency (SASSA)’s review notices despite system challenges.

Black Sash has reported a spike in calls from social grant beneficiaries distressed by SASSA’s grant review process.

The review process was implemented last year to verify whether beneficiaries still qualify for financial aid.

Black Sash helpline manager Kgothatso Sibanda said many beneficiaries are reporting significant barriers, including transport costs, long queues, poor network coverage and administrative delays.

"The biggest problem that beneficiaries have encountered is lack of capacity at SASSA local offices, and systematic glitches. You find that the offices are offline and, therefore, cannot assist the people that are there."