Project Mikondzo brings social services to Ivory Park residents
The event was led by the regional executive manager of the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), Themba Matlou
Residents of Ivory Park and the surrounding areas flocked to the Ivory Park Stadium on March 2 during Project Mikondzo.
The event was led by the regional executive manager of the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), Themba Matlou, who also represented the MEC for Social Development, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza. They were joined by the acting district manager of Sassa in Johannesburg, Nozizwe Pii.
Local councillors in the Johannesburg district and SAPS members attended to the event.
Project Mikondzo is a national government service delivery improvement initiative. It is aimed at enabling the government to swiftly and progressively respond to challenges faced by poor communities.
The event commenced with a political briefing session where councillors were given a chance to address challenges in the communities.
Pii said one of the major issues raised by local councillors was that grant recipients borrow money from loan sharks, which contributes to their indebtedness.
“All social grants beneficiaries must be aware that they are not allowed to take loans and make payment with the social grant money. The social grant is not for luxury items, but for very poor households to alleviate poverty. It enables beneficiaries to purchase basic goods. Unauthorised deductions such as airtime, electricity, funeral policy payments and loan shark repayments result in a financial burden and poverty,” said Pii.
Pii warned grant recipients not to fall victim to loan sharks.
Themba Matlou, regional executive manager of Sassa, encouraged the residents not to give their personal details or hand out their Sassa cards to people visiting their homes.
“Sassa does not have any officials tasked with visiting people’s homes and request beneficiary details. If people have any problems with their Sassa cards, they are welcome to visit their nearest Sassa branches. Our people are advised to visit Sassa offices to check if they qualify to benefit under the Social Relief of Distress programme,” added Matlou.
About 89 Sassa beneficiaries were given food parcels. Thirty learners received a full set of school uniforms and dignity packs, including face towels, sanitary towels, roll-on deodorant and body lotions. Nine elderly people were issued with blankets.
Sassa also acknowledged two centenarians who celebrated their 100 years by giving them blankets and fruit baskets.
Gogo Sarah Thele, who turned 100 on January 1, said she was happy to be recognised by Sassa.
“I am grateful to be part of this event and especially to have received the free gifts,” added Thele.
