Another pensioner without money

This comes after the EXPRESS reported on a pensioner with a similar problem two weeks ago. Mrs Johanna Van Wyk, who resides at the De Wetshof Retirement Village in Kensington, has also been sent from pillar to post.

“I was told my card was blocked due to non-reporting or re-registration, so I was told to go make an affidavit,” said Mrs Van Wyk. A new card was made for her and she was told to wait 48 hours before she could activate her card at a store. When she went in, she was embarrassed by what she was told.

“The lady at the till told me I was taking a fat chance and suggested I buy something at the store, but there was still no money,” said Mrs Van Wyk. She spent four weeks going to the Bertha Solomon Centre trying to get the problem resolved. “I’m not a young person, I have broken bones in my body and I also have low blood pressure, I cannot afford to be going back and forth,” said Mrs Van Wyk. The EXPRESS went with Mrs Van Wyk to the Bertha Solomon Centre, where she was told she must check her account in 20 days. She was told her money would be carried over into the next month.

“Somebody is not doing their job. After a whole month and a new card, I’m still without my money,” said Mrs Van Wyk. The EXPRESS contacted the South African Social Services Agency (SASSA) and they said the problem is becoming common. “We have been receiving similar complaints. It’s a teething problem and we have noted it and are looking at ways to solve the recurring problem,” said Mr L M Majoro, a Supervisor at SASSA.