Grants see long queues across the Lowveld
Long queues, a shortage of money and total disregard of social distancing were the order of the day as thousands of senior citizens queued for their social grants at various pay points across the Lowveld.
MBOMBELA – Just three weeks ago, the Department of Social Services revised the grants pay-out dates and announced that the disability and older person’s grant will now be paid on the fourth day of each month, with all other grants to be paid from the sixth of every month.
This move, according to the department, is designed to help decrease the long queues and enforce social distancing.
“Well, today I am happy that all the pensioners here are wearing masks, but I am not impressed by the fact that the social distancing isn’t obeyed by pensioners at most of our pay points.
“This is really a cause for concern, but we will continue to preach this gospel until it sinks in,” said MEC Thandi Shongwe, who visited a number of pay-points and interacted with pensioners.
ALSO READ: SANDF makes biggest dagga bust since start of lockdown
Shongwe said drastic measures are needed. “I think it is time to start teaching our senior citizens that there’s no need to all go and queue for their grants on the first day all at once, because once their money has been deposited it stays there for them to go and withdraw anytime.
“I think we (government) need to pursue other avenues to administer these grants, such as using spaza shops and township supermarkets. We have to look at all possible avenues that would help us shorten the queues and make this experience a lot easier for our grannies.”
ALSO READ: Spotting in KNP continues despite Covid-19 lockdown
