Social Development MEC Sharna Fernandez has welcomed the announcement that Sassa will reopen its offices on Monday next week.
The Sassa offices were initially closed on 30 March as part of the Covid-19 lockdown.
Fernandez says: “Whilst we understood that this was done to support the lockdown, we urged Sassa and the National Department of Social Development to revisit this decision.
“Personal protective equipment (PPE) has been ordered for Sassa staff to now enable the reopening of the office.
“We can no longer have any further delays. The urgency regarding the reopening of all Sassa offices is a growing concern that has been exacerbated by the announcement to slowly migrate from food parcels to an e-vouchers system and the social relief of distress grant that will be functional in May and administered by Sassa.”
PLEASED: Fernandez
Fernandez added that the reopening of all offices will go a long way in assisting the national entity to respond to the social and economic relief measures announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week.
“With many people not having access to modern technology, a local office serves as the only method for our most vulnerable people to access these essential services,” she said.
According to the department, it is important to again clarify that Sassa remains the lead agency charged with social support to the poor.
This legislative mandate covers food parcels and vouchers, as well as other social relief.
African News Agency