The Democratic Alliance gave Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu until 5pm yesterday to agree to open Sassa offices or face legal action.
DA spokesperson on social development Bridget Masango said there was a clear 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.
“We have given Minister Zulu until 5pm (yesterday) to respond to our very reasonable request.
“The DA’s lawyers are instructed to launch a court application to compel government to open Sassa offices if the minister fails to see reason and do the right thing.”
Masango said the DA has consistently called for the opening of Sassa’s offices, with appropriate safety measures, to assist those left vulnerable by the lockdown.
“And time and again the minister has not only ignored the pleas of the party, but she also seems deaf to the cries of desperation sounding in the streets.”
Masango said it was a stark reality that many who would take advantage of the R350 social relief distress grant made available by the government in light of the crisis were not logistically able to apply via dedicated hotlines or send email, text and WhatsApp applications.
“It is therefore utterly nonsensical that in an attempt to address these potential technological challenges, the department plans to rather spend money to train volunteers and buy them equipment to assist those in need. This, while Sassa offices remain closed, and trained and paid employees sit at home,” she added.
“This money can surely be better spent on food parcels for vulnerable families.”
African News Agency