Question NW2016 to the Minister of Social Development
30 June 2022 - NW2016
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Social Development
In light of the fact that retail stores will now be rendering services for the collection of the R350 Social Relief of Distress grants by beneficiaries, what are the terms of reference for the specified services between her department and retail stores?
Reply:
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has contracted the South African Post Office (SAPO) to pay grant beneficiaries, which includes beneficiaries of the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress. SAPO in turn has expanded their distribution network to include retailers. This agreement, however, is between SAPO and the retailers. SASSA is not a party to the agreement.
The arrangement, however, is similar to those between banks and retailers, where beneficiaries who chose to have their funds paid into their own personal bank account, can then access those funds from their bank, any other banks including ATM and/ or any merchant, which has an arrangement with their bank. For SAPO, this is done at no cost to the beneficiary.