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Allegations of Elderly Being Turned Away at Pinetown SASSA Offices

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has today written to the Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Tolashe, requesting an urgent investigation into allegations that elderly individuals seeking to apply for pensions are being turned away at the Pinetown South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) regional office and instructed to apply online instead.

The DA can confirm an incident involving an elderly couple from Zwelibomvu near Pinetown. The couple arrived at the Pinetown SASSA office yesterday morning at 7:00 AM to apply for the Older Persons Grant. However, they were informed that they could not be assisted in person and were directed to apply online, despite their apparent need for in-person support.

Coincidentally, while attending to another commitment, I encountered the distressed couple. They shared their experience, expressing feelings of helplessness and frustration. This encounter highlighted a concerning instance of neglect, discrimination, and a violation of the basic rights of the elderly.

With immediate intervention, we were able to escort the couple back to the SASSA office, where they were assisted, and their application was successfully processed. We can now confirm that the grant payment will commence in February. However, the treatment they initially received raises serious concerns about the systemic inefficiencies and lack of accountability within SASSA.

The DA has formally requested the Minister to investigate not only this incident but also the broader issue of failures to assist eligible SASSA beneficiaries. The right to social security is enshrined in our Constitution, and such violations cannot be tolerated.

We demand answers and accountability to ensure that no elderly South African is subjected to similar indignities in the future.

Regards

Mzamo Billy MP
DA Zululand Constituency Head

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