The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has vowed to take action against the illegal sale of queue positions outside its local offices, describing the practice as exploitative and unlawful.
The agency says the “mushrooming scourge” has been reported at several offices across the country, where vulnerable grant applicants are allegedly being forced to pay to secure a place in line.
SASSA CEO Themba Matlou said the practice targets those least able to afford it, particularly older persons and people with disabilities.
“This is unacceptable, unlawful and a serious exploitation of vulnerable members of society who solely rely on social assistance for survival,” Matlou said. “In particular, taking advantage of the elderly and people living with disabilities is extremely disheartening.”
He said SASSA would not ignore the problem and warned that action will be taken against those involved, including officials who may have enabled the conduct.
“We take serious exception to these acts as they happen at the doorsteps of our offices and create an impression that we are complicit and encourage this exploitation of our people. We condemn this in the strongest possible terms, and we cannot allow it to happen,” he said.
The agency said it will strengthen security at its offices and work with law enforcement to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
While acknowledging ongoing service delivery challenges and long queues at some sites, Matlou said these do not justify exploitation of applicants.
“We are not oblivious to our own challenges, and this is precisely why we are not resting on our laurels,” he said, adding that SASSA is rolling out interventions aimed at improving efficiency and customer experience.
He said queue management systems are being strengthened to ensure fair and orderly access, with priority given to elderly persons, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
Matlou also encouraged clients to use SASSA’s online self-service portal and the eLife certification system where applicable, to reduce pressure on physical offices and cut travel costs.
“As SASSA marks over 20 years of providing social assistance to the needy, our commitment to improved, dignified and efficient services continues unabated,” he said.
Saturday Star