Question NW1395 to the Minister of Social Development
22 November 2019 - NW1395
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
With regard to reports that some shebeen owners confiscate the SA Social Security Agency cards of their patrons to keep the cards as surety for alcohol bought on credit, what plans does she have in place to ensure that grants are not continuously abused for purposes they are not meant for?
Reply:
Studies have shown that, in the main, the funds provided for social grants are utilised for the purposes intended. However, there will always be exceptions to this rule. It is the responsibility of every citizen to report abuse of social grants, wherever this is seen. All reports of grant abuse are followed up.
Where abuse is confirmed, SASSA has legislated powers to either stop payment of the grant, or to arrange for a procurator or welfare organisation to administer the grant on behalf of the beneficiary.
The retention of the SASSA card as surety for any debts is illegal. SASSA works closely with law enforcement agencies to address this wherever it is reported. There has been some success in addressing this, through arrests and criminal prosecution of people found in possession of multiple SASSA cards.
SASSA has implemented various measures to address possible abuse of social grants. Primary amongst these is the introduction of the new SASSA card, which prohibits EFT debits and stop orders off this account. This has addressed previous challenges, where the value of the grant was being eroded by debt and unauthorised deductions.
SASSA therefore appeals to all citizens to assist in the reporting of the abuse of social grants so that action may be taken.
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Approved by the Minister of Social Development
Date……………………….