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SASSA Underspending Of R4bn Is A Travesty

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SASSA Underspending Of R4bn Is A Travesty

SASSA Underspending Of R4bn Is A Travesty. The underspending of R4bn by the Social Security Agency of South Africa (SASSA) on the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants has sparked widespread concern. Organizations supporting vulnerable individuals have called this financial shortfall a “travesty,” especially as many South Africans continue to rely on these grants for survival. The revelation came from the Auditor-General’s office, highlighting administrative challenges that have prevented eligible beneficiaries from receiving their grants.

The SRD Grant

The SRD grant was introduced in 2020 as an emergency measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its goal was to provide financial assistance to those in extreme poverty. Initially set at R350 per month, the grant has been crucial for many unemployed and underprivileged South Africans. However, new application processes introduced in 2022 have complicated the accessibility of the SRD grant for many potential beneficiaries.

The Auditor-General Findings

On Wednesday, the Office of the Auditor-General presented a shocking report to the portfolio committee on social development in parliament, exposing that SASSA underspent by R4bn on SRD grants. The primary reason? A reduced uptake of the grants following the implementation of new application requirements, including a strict bank verification process.

Puleng Molapo, the Auditor-General’s senior audit manager, explained that these new systems were designed to ensure only eligible applicants received the grant. However, it resulted in many deserving individuals being excluded due to the digital-only application process, lower income thresholds, and stringent bank verifications. According to Molapo, “SASSA didn’t pay some beneficiaries because they were no longer eligible under the new criteria.”

Issues with the New Digital-Only Application Process

One of the key barriers to accessing the SRD grant was the shift to a completely digital application system. Many applicants, especially those without smartphones or internet access, found it difficult to navigate the new system. This caused many potential beneficiaries to fail the bank verification process, leading to widespread exclusion from the grant system.

Criticism from Civil Organizations

Several civil society groups, including the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) and the #PayTheGrants movement, have voiced their frustrations. According to Kelle Howson, a senior researcher from the IEJ, the underspending is nothing short of a “travesty.”

“There are a number of reasons why the SRD grant system excludes deserving beneficiaries,” Howson said. She explained that the digital barriers, bank verification issues, and lower income thresholds had unjustly kept many from accessing the grant. The IEJ and #PayTheGrants have even launched a court case against SASSA, challenging the new application requirements.

High Decline Rates of Applications and Appeals

Elizebeth Raiters, deputy chair at #PayTheGrants, emphasized the urgent need for intervention from Sisisi Tolashe, the new social development minister. She highlighted that more than 90% of appeals were being declined by the Tribunal, leaving many without the support they desperately need. “SASSA is underspending at the cost of declining the most vulnerable beneficiaries,” said Raiters.

In April 2024, the SRD grant amount was increased to R370 per month, but only individuals earning less than R625 monthly are eligible. Despite this increase, the number of grant recipients has remained low due to the stringent verification process.

Inadequate Reporting and Tracking Systems at SASSA

Another major issue raised in the Auditor-General’s report was SASSA’s failure to implement a robust system for tracking and resolving inquiries. Molapo noted, “SASSA doesn’t have a process to report and track grant inquiries from the public, making it impossible to accurately report on resolved and unresolved cases.” This has further eroded public trust and contributed to the inefficiency of the grant system.

Parliamentary Response

Following the Auditor-General’s report, Bridget Masango, chairperson of the portfolio committee on social development, expressed her dissatisfaction. She described the report as “depressing” and stressed the human toll of SASSA’s financial mismanagement.

Masango stated, “At the back of every unachieved target are starving people and stunted children.” She further called on the department to present clear timelines to ensure that financial and administrative barriers don’t prevent individuals from accessing these life-saving grants.

Material Irregularities Identified Over Five Years

The audit revealed that SASSA and the Department of Social Development have been involved in several material irregularities over the past five years. Molapo reported that SASSA had withheld R145m from alleged overpayments of SRD grants. Disturbingly, some government employees were found to have applied for and received SRD grants, adding another layer to the mismanagement.

Public Outcry and Political Criticism

Members of parliament, like Paulnita Marais from the EFF, were outraged by the findings. She shared that many constituents have struggled to access their R370 payments, and complaints to SASSA have fallen on deaf ears. Marais said, “Our people are suffering. People have been struggling since last year to access their R370. We’ve been complaining to SASSA, but it seems like our complaints go through one ear and out the other.”

Conclusion

The underspending of R4bn on the SRD grants by SASSA is a national tragedy. With so many vulnerable South Africans depending on these grants for survival, the administrative and financial barriers that prevent access must be urgently addressed. Civil organizations, parliament, and affected individuals continue to push for reforms, hoping that the grant system will soon function as intended – providing much-needed relief to the country’s poorest citizens.

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SASSA News

Cancel Your R370 Sassa Grant

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Cancel Your R370 Sassa Grant

Cancel Your R370 Sassa Grant. The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, valued at R370, has been a lifeline for many South Africans during challenging times. However, circumstances can change, and you may no longer need or qualify for this financial aid. Whether you’ve found employment, gained other sources of income, or no longer meet the eligibility criteria, canceling your SRD grant is a straightforward process.

In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about canceling your R370 SASSA grant application, ensuring you remain compliant and avoid any potential complications.

Why You Might Need to Cancel Your R370 SASSA Grant

The SRD grant is designed to provide temporary financial relief. But life situations are dynamic, and several reasons may prompt you to cancel your grant application:

  1. Employment: You’ve recently secured a job or a stable source of income, making you ineligible for the grant.
  2. Other Financial Support: You may have begun receiving support from other government initiatives such as UIF or NSFAS, disqualifying you from the SRD grant.
  3. Improved Financial Situation: If your bank account balance now exceeds the stipulated threshold of R624, you no longer qualify for the grant.
  4. Change in Personal Circumstances: Other personal or financial changes might make you ineligible for the SRD grant.

Understanding the need to cancel your application promptly ensures that resources are allocated to those who need them the most and helps you avoid any potential penalties or complications in the future.

Canceling Your SRD Grant Application Step-by-Step

Canceling your SRD grant application is a simple process that can be completed online. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth cancellation:

1. Visit the Official SASSA Website

Start by navigating to the official SASSA SRD website. The website is accessible through the following link: SASSA SRD Website.

2. Locate the “Cancel My Application” Section

Once on the website, look for the “Cancel My Application” section. This is typically found under the ‘Application Status’ or ‘Services’ menu. Click on the relevant link to proceed to the cancellation page.

3. Enter Your Details

You will be required to enter specific details to verify your identity:

  • South African ID Number: Enter your 13-digit South African ID number as used in your SRD grant application.
  • Mobile Phone Number: Enter the mobile phone number you used when applying for the grant.

4. Verify Your Identity

After submitting your details, you’ll receive an SMS containing a 6-digit One-Time Pin (OTP). Enter this OTP in the provided field on the website to confirm your identity.

5. Confirm Cancellation

Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the cancellation process. Once confirmed, your SRD grant application will be successfully canceled, and you will no longer receive the monthly payments.

What to Do If You Can’t Cancel Online

If you encounter any issues while trying to cancel your SRD grant online, there are alternative ways to get assistance:

  1. Contact SASSA Customer Care: Call the SASSA toll-free helpline at 0800 60 10 11. A representative will guide you through the process.
  2. Visit a SASSA Office: If possible, visit your nearest SASSA office for in-person assistance. Ensure you carry your ID and any other relevant documents.
  3. Email Support: You can also email your cancellation request to [email protected]. Be sure to include your ID number and contact details in the email.

Eligibility Criteria for the R370 SRD Grant

To avoid applying unnecessarily or facing issues when canceling, it’s important to understand the eligibility requirements for the SRD grant:

  1. South African Citizenship: You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or a holder of a special permit.
  2. No Other Government Support: You should not be receiving other government financial assistance like the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) or NSFAS support.
  3. Bank Account Balance: Your bank account balance should be below R624 at the time of applying. This threshold ensures that the SRD grant supports those who are in urgent financial need.

If you find that you no longer meet these requirements, it is crucial to cancel your SRD grant to prevent any potential issues with overpayments or penalties.

Potential Consequences of Not Canceling Your SRD Grant

Failing to cancel your SRD grant when you no longer qualify can lead to several consequences, including:

  1. Overpayment Penalties: If SASSA discovers that you received payments while not qualifying, you may be required to repay the funds.
  2. Legal Action: In severe cases, continued receipt of the grant without eligibility could result in legal action.
  3. Difficulty in Future Applications: If you need to apply for other grants or benefits in the future, past discrepancies can complicate your eligibility or application process.

Tips for Managing Your SASSA Benefits

  • Keep Your Information Updated: Always ensure that your contact details, bank account information, and employment status are up-to-date with SASSA.
  • Check Eligibility Regularly: Regularly review your eligibility for the SRD grant or any other benefits you may be receiving.
  • Report Changes Promptly: If you experience any change in circumstances that affects your eligibility, report it to SASSA immediately.

Conclusion

Canceling your R370 SASSA SRD grant is a straightforward process that ensures you stay compliant with the regulations and avoid any potential issues. Whether due to a new job, improved financial situation, or other changes, it’s important to act promptly. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily manage your grant status and ensure that support is directed to those who need it most.

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