For many grant recipients, the government’s monthly stipend is barely enough to scrape by.
Relying heavily on this amount to cover a host of expenses, many recipients are now overwhelmed with frustration at seeing their precious money dwindle before their eyes.
Receipts presented to this newspaper by grant recipients are the proof of this matter.
Acting on behalf of her employee, who receives an old age and a foster child grant, resident Emsie van der Merwe pointed out a March receipt bearing a deduction of R99 under the sub-heading airtime.
Her employee vehemently denied purchasing airtime through the South Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA).
Mrs van der Merwe said a close friend of her employee was billed almost R500 that same month, despite not being in possession of any cell phone or mobile device.
When complaints were brought forward, Mrs van der Merwe’s employee was reportedly told to liaise with the SAPS.
“My worker struggles to get the time off to visit the SAPS and open a case.”
Madadeni resident, Bongani Kubheka had relayed a similar story a few days earlier.
Mr Kubheka said his wife received a regular grant for her four children, and began to notice small amounts of between R100 and R200 were being taken off the payout.
The problem was reported to SASSA and a refund was promised.
However, Mr Kubheka said despite bringing the erroneous deductions to the attention of SASSA at the beginning of the year, the outstanding amount was yet to be paid back.
“They told us the amount taken was for airtime, but my wife has a contract.”
Investigations into the claims of Mrs van der Merwe’s employee and Mr Kubheka’s wife revealed the malaise of sudden deductions is a problem for grant recipients across the country.
SASSA regional spokesman, Vusi Mahaye could not provide exact numbers but said many had come forward.
On the Department of Social Development’s (DSD) website, one can find a transcript of a meeting between the government body, the Net1 Group (an umbrella entity reportedly responsible for authorising the deductions) and Cash Paymaster Services, a branch of Net1 dealing with distribution of social grants.
During this meeting, the so-called ‘micro loans’ residents are protesting asgainst, were tabled.
According to the transcript, MEC for Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini insisted the Net1 group as a whole, cease with the micro loan service and services such as airtime purchases.
The CEO of CPS, Dr Serge Belamant issued a written response in October last year.
He said CPS did not offer any products of whatsoever nature to grant beneficiaries, adding CPS was a legal, independent entity forming part of the 44 companies of the Net1 group.
Dr Belamant added CPS had no jurisdiction over other companies and how they conducted business.
“The provision of loans and airtime products to grant beneficiaries is not outlawed and provided these companies comply with applicable legislation, including the National Credit Act, they are at liberty to pursue these business avenues”.
A CPS helpline employee could not confirm who had given authorisation for the deductions, but offered information on how grant recipients could fill in a form to make use of such services.
The employee also laid blame for the deductions on the families of grant recipients.
“We get people who live in a situation where children or spouses request airtime without their knowledge, as they have access to the beneficiaries’ details.”
Both the CPS helpline employee and Mr Mahaye said residents who felt they had been robbed, could fill in an affadavit and submit their personal details to either CPS or SASSA, in order for an investigation to be launched.
For inquiries or to report unfair deductions, CPS’s toll-free helpline can be reached on 080 060 0160.
