Those who are reliant on Government grants were warned to stay away from ‘loan sharks’ as this will keep them deeper in debt.
This was said at an information day hosted by the Dundee Crisis Centre at the Environmental Centre last week which was also attended by SG Xaba of the South African Social Security Agency, SASSA, Dundee.
Carol Bradley of the Crisis Centre said education is vital to ensure there are grant-security and preventative measures to keep people away from ever-spiraling debt.
Mr Xaba addressed those present with detailed information on the legalities regarding grants and the procedures to follow.
He named the number of grants that the department offers and explained the different categories and requirements for each.
He alerted the community about the green “easy pay” cards that beneficiaries get from “loan sharks” which makes it easier for them to access the beneficiaries’ money.
He further warned the community to safeguard their information, including the slips that they receive after withdrawals as this contains all their personal details, which in return are used to buy airtime and open funeral policies, by unscrupulous ‘consultants’.
He advised the community members not to hesitate to visit their offices should they have any concerns.
Captain V Mbense from the SAPS addressed the community on domestic violence and the importance of unity amongst community members. He explained how as a community we have shifted from ‘a collective’ to an individuality consciousness which is destroying the community considering the rate of sexual abuse, drug abuse, domestic violence, crime, human trafficking etc. He stated that we cannot operate in isolation because a good nation is one that stands together.