Dear Editor
The DA has written to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development to urgently summon SASSA to account and present its plan to mitigate the impact of winter on those who depend on social grants for their survival.
As winter grips many parts of the country, it is deeply concerning that vulnerable South Africans, particularly older persons, people with disabilities, vulnerable mothers with their babies and children, as well as caregivers, continue to endure harsh weather conditions while attempting to access services at South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offices.
Despite the existence of SASSA’s inefficient e-service platform and call centre, the majority of beneficiaries are unable to access these services due to a range of challenges, including limited mobile data, poor network coverage, and lack of access to basic technology. Not to mention calls remain unanswered or the line not working at all. As a result, thousands are forced to queue outside SASSA offices – often overnight – in the hope of receiving assistance.
Recent videos circulating on social media show elderly citizens sleeping on pavements outside the Bellville SASSA office in Cape Town during cold and rainy conditions. These disturbing scenes are not isolated. They represent a systemic failure in SASSA’s ability to manage queues despite its new and improved ‘queue management system,’ provide dignified service delivery, and protect the basic human rights of the most vulnerable in our society.
The situation underscores the urgent need for SASSA to present a comprehensive winter readiness plan to the Portfolio Committee on Social Development. This plan must outline immediate interventions to address accessibility, capacity at local offices, and humane queue management strategies during the winter months.
These challenges are not new – they have persisted year after year, without effective long-term solutions. As Members of Parliament, we are duty-bound to exercise oversight and demand accountability from government institutions, especially when it comes to the welfare of vulnerable groups.
The dignity, safety, and well-being of millions of South Africans must not be compromised.
Regards
Alexandra Abrahams MP
DA Deputy Spokesperson on Social Development