The Department of Social Development (DSD) has brought vital services to citizens in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality by setting up a temporary service point during the Berlin November horse racing festival, which was recently held in the Eastern Cape.
Mother of four, Pamoria Mayengane, 48, is one of the residents who could not contain her joy after receiving the help she urgently needed from the DSD. Mayengane had been struggling for months with the suspension of her Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant due to fraud activity, which impacted her.
The weight of uncertainty had taken a toll on Mayengane, but that changed when she heard on the radio that the DSD would be bringing its services to Berlin, a small, yet vibrant town in East London, in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
The annual Berlin November event draws thousands of visitors from across South Africa, providing a unique platform for government departments and corporate organisations to showcase their services and promote social cohesion.
Mayengane, who lives within walking distance of the Berlin racecourse, seized the opportunity to reach out to the DSD.
“I was so happy when I heard the announcement [on the radio]. I did not even have to pay for transport. I walked from my house to the venue. It was such a relief to finally be assisted,” she said.
The SRD grant, coupled with child support grants for her two younger children, is the lifeline for her family. The fraudulent attempt to access her SRD grant had left her unable to receive payments, plunging her into financial stress.
With the South African Social Security Agency’s new face verification system in place, the fraudulent individual was blocked, and the payment was stopped.
At the Berlin temporary service point, officials helped Mayengane to resolve the issue, ensuring that her grant would be reinstated for the next payment cycle.
“This grant means everything to me. It helps me buy groceries and cover my children’s basic needs. Now I can look forward to buying them Christmas groceries, just like other families,” she said.
Berlin, nestled between East London and King William’s Town, is a historical town that has maintained its charm, while growing into a hub of cultural activity. The Berlin November horse racing function, in particular, has become a major drawcard, blending tradition with entertainment.
This year, the DSD used the function as a platform to bring its services closer to the people, addressing pressing social challenges and fostering community engagement during the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign.
In addition to assisting residents like Mayengane, the DSD and other participating stakeholders provided information and support on various issues, including social grants, child protection, substance abuse, non-profit organisations and community development.
This initiative exemplified the department’s commitment to addressing social issues in a holistic and accessible way. – SAnews.gov.za
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Interview with a pirate:
There was a pirate who had agreed to do an interview with a local tv station. The reporter was very courteous and professional, giving a bit of background as to the pirate\’s business. She then began interviewing him.
\”So Mr. Longbeard, are there any risks to your business? I see you have a peg leg- how did that come about?\”
\”Well, y\’see I were sailing along the coast of South Africa, looking to plunder some locals when as I boarded the small boat from the ship, a great white shark came up and got my leg clean off. \’twas scary yes, but thus is the life of a pirate.\”
\”Wow, that is pretty scary- well, how about your hook? What happened to your hand with that?\”
\”Oh now that\’s quite the tale, y\’see I were fighting a rival pirate, and we had locked swords. We had been fighting for a few hours, and were both terribly fatigued. I had a bit of exhaustion and confusion, and when I went to block one of his sword blows, I met him with me hand instead of me sword. Took it right off, but it shocked him so much I managed to get him back pretty good and have him submit. So the hook hand was given as a replacement.\”
\”Wow. Simply fascinating. Now, what about your eye patch? How did that happen?\”
\”Well, one day, a seagull was flying overhead, and I looked up. It pooped right in me eye.\”
\”… Well wow. I must admit, I wouldn\’t think just seagull poop could damage the eye that badly.\”
\”Oh, I forgot to mention… it were me first day with the hook.\”