Not every unemployed person will receive the R350 relief grant from Government today.
One of them is Nompumzo Mungadi, 31, from AT in Khayelitsha, who says despite being unemployed and sukkeling she is not eligible for the grant or food parcels.
The mother of two relies on her children’s Sassa grants, which are R420 each, to survive but it’s not enough as she has to pay R400 for rent.
She thus only has R440 to spend on food for the month and says most days they go hungry.
“I am taking chronic medication sometimes on an empty stomach,” says Nompumzo.
“The medication I take makes me hungry and I go around asking for food.”
NEED: Nompumzo Mungadi, 31
She is also drowning in debt as she borrowed money from loan sharks to feed her daughters aged 12 and eight.
“My childrens’ grants mean I am too rich to qualify for the R350 yet I am too poor to feed myself.”
Her neighbour Nolusindiso Khaka sometimes gives her food but she is also unemployed.
“I am not working too, Nompumzo would come to my house and ask for my children’s porridge so she can take her medication.
“Her mouth is dry and you can see she has not eaten in a long time. She was sleeping on the floor until someone borrowed her a bed.”
Sassa spokesperson Shivani Wahab confirmed to the Daily Voice that Nompumzo does not qualify: “No, she does not meet the criteria for the SRD Covid-19 grant.
“Anyone already in receipt of a social grant or any other form of government assistance is not eligible for this grant.”
Wahab said Sassa is phasing out food parcels with the introduction of the SRD grant.
“Even in the case of food parcels, those who receive a social grant are not eligible for a food parcel.”