Question NW1497 to the Minister of Social Development
03 September 2020 - NW1497
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)On what date did applications for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant close; (2) whether the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) is still accepting and processing new applications; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether SASSA has picked up and dealt with any fraudulent activity since the operation of disbursing the SRD grant began; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the full, relevant details?
Reply:
1. As the President Ramaphosa’s announcement the Special COVID-19 SRD Grant will be paid over a period of 6 months until the end of October 2020.
2. Applications are still being accepted through the Whatsapp channel (082 046 8553) and through the SASSA website (https://srd.sassa.gov.za). Of the total of 7 549 842 applications received to date, 6 534 754 were received in May; 938 554 for June and 31 534 for July (to 8 July 2020).
3. There have been no fraudulent activities picked up to date. There are a number of checks and balances built into the application and validation processes, which should ensure that only genuinely qualifying citizens benefit from this grant. In addition, the Auditor General is auditing all the application process and decisions and any anomalies identified will be investigated.