Addressing SASSA Payment Delays: A Joint Ministerial Effort

by
1 min read
s a

The Departments of Communications and Digital Technologies and Social Development, together with their agencies Postbank, the South African Post Office, and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), have issued a joint statement apologizing to social grant beneficiaries who experienced difficulties in accessing their grants during the first week of September 2023. The payment delay disproportionately affected the elderly and those with disabilities, who rely on these provisions for their daily livelihoods.

Root Cause of Payment Delays

During a media briefing, Ministers Lindiwe Zulu and Mondli Gungubele explained that the recent challenges affecting social grant payments in September 2023 were due to a technical glitch. On September 5th and 6th, Postbank experienced intermittent system challenges at ATMs and retailers due to a systems upgrade intended to provide better service.

Consequently, some grant recipients could not withdraw funds for their old age and disabilities grants. Although incomplete transactions with errors typically go unnoticed due to automated reversal functionality, the system challenges that affected Postbank resulted in some beneficiaries not receiving their social grant payments on time.

Resolving Payment Delays

To reassure the public, the ministers confirmed that the system challenges were resolved on the morning of September 6th, and the Postbank system has since been working optimally. While the payment of other social grants concluded without challenges on September 7th, approximately 600,000 beneficiaries were still affected by the technical glitch.

Postbank has since completed more than 500,000 manual funds reversals, and the affected beneficiaries have received their social grants payments. However, due to the time-consuming nature of manual processes, some clients are still waiting for their funds.

Further Assistance for Beneficiaries

Postbank has set up a call center, WhatsApp line, and email for support to assist clients who are experiencing challenges with accessing their grants. To prevent such system challenges in the future, the institution has made significant progress in improving its banking IT systems.

Apologies and Progress

The ministers, on behalf of both agencies, offered profound apologies to stakeholders and expressed gratitude for their support during this trying time. Postbank and SASSA staff will be in communities this week to assess progress on grant payments and offer assistance to recipients requiring further guidance.

In conclusion, while the September payments challenges were not related to the SASSA Gold Cards expiry, the ministers encourage beneficiaries to ignore false information about card validity. The Departments and their entities will continue to update beneficiaries and the nation on the SASSA cards replacement program and unveil the new Postbank SASSA Grants Payment cards, ensuring that the poorest of the poor continue to benefit from a capable and developmental state within a vibrant democratic system.

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

View all
i n
Previous Story

North West Provincial Government Supports Bridge Construction Efforts in Ngaka Modiri Molema District

o i
Next Story

Southern Africa’s Oil and Gas Potential: Addressing Energy Challenges and Ensuring a Just Energy Transition

Latest from Blog

early childhood education toy libraries

Cape Town’s Transformative Toy Libraries: Revolutionizing Early Childhood Development

Cape Town’s toy libraries are changing how young children learn by creating fun and exciting places to play and grow. With 24 vibrant libraries, kids can explore new stories and play with educational toys that help them develop important skills. Educators also benefit, gaining access to helpful resources that enhance teaching methods. This initiative not only supports children’s growth but also encourages a love for learning that can last a lifetime. As these libraries thrive, they inspire communities everywhere to embrace the joy of learning through play.

wastewater management urban sustainability

Innovative Urban Water Management: Embracing Wastewater Package Plants

Wastewater package plants are small, smart facilities that help cities manage dirty water in a cleaner way. They are easy to install and can be placed where big treatment plants can’t go, making them super useful for crowded urban areas. Recently, a workshop brought together many people to learn how to set up and run these plants, highlighting their importance for public health and the environment. By using these innovative systems, cities can boost their economies while making sure they take care of our precious water resources.

illegal mining south africa

Confronting Illegal Mining in South Africa: A Complex Battle

South Africa is fighting against illegal mining with a strong team of police, soldiers, and private security. They’ve recently targeted a large group of about 6,500 illegal miners in Ekurhuleni, where hidden tunnels and makeshift homes showed the extent of this underground world. While these operations can push miners away temporarily, true solutions need to address the economic struggles that drive people to these risky jobs. The goal is to create lasting change that not only protects the environment but also offers communities new opportunities for a better life.

fireworks policy public safety

Balancing Tradition and Safety: Cape Town’s Fireworks Policy

Cape Town is getting ready for exciting celebrations like Diwali and Guy Fawkes Night, but there are important rules about fireworks! To keep everyone safe, people must get permission from the police and have their event checked by the Fire and Rescue Service. While many love the colorful displays, some worry about noise and the danger to pets and wildlife. As the city balances fun traditions with safety, it’s clear that thoughtful celebrations can light up the sky without causing chaos below.