NELSPRUIT – Beneficiaries of the South African Social Services Agency (Sassa) can now conveniently obtain small loans in the CBD. A large crowd in Bester Street attracted the attention of passers-by on Monday, who initially thought it was a loan-shark business being operated.
Closer inspection, however, revealed that it was Sassa officials, who had set up camp on the sidewalk in front of SUPERSPAR near the Ehlanzeni District’s Sassa offices.
It is the agent through which government delivers social services. It administers various grants, including older persons, disabled persons, war veterans, dependants, foster children and social relief of distress. Earlier this week, many women could be observed queuing at the informal station to obtain small loans.
They also declined to be named. One woman explained that the point of the loans was to discourage beneficiaries from using the services of loan sharks for emergency cash, since their repayment rates were very high.
One of the officials processing applications on the scene, also said that the service was meant only for beneficiaries of the agency. She said they had decided to set up camp on the sidewalk near the taxi rank for the convenience and accessibility of commuters travelling from far away.
