eMbalenhle pensioner hears she is employed by Sassa

eMbalenhle resident and social grant beneficiary, Sihlulekile Khoza (61), is shocked and distressed after the Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) rejected her indigent application, claiming that she is employed by the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa).

Khoza said she nearly collapsed when municipal officials presented her with a document stating that she is a Sassa employee earning a monthly income above the qualifying threshold for indigent status.

She visited the municipal offices in November after her electricity meter was blocked, preventing her from buying electricity because she owed the municipality for services.

“I was shocked and nearly collapsed when the municipal official told me that I am a Sassa employee when I was applying for indigent assistance because my family and I survive solely on my pension and cannot afford to pay for municipal services,” said Khoza.

Khoza denied ever being employed by the Sassa and believes someone is fraudulently using her personal details.

“I am not a Sassa employee, and never worked for the company. I believe someone is using my name to defraud Sassa. This disadvantages my family and me and puts my name into disrepute,” said Khoza.

She added that the rejection of her indigent application has been traumatising, particularly because the municipality had already blocked her electricity.

Following the rejection, Khoza said the official told her to pay R1 000 before her electricity meter could be unblocked.

“I then borrowed R1 000 from my neighbour because I wanted to be unblocked and buy electricity. Now, I have to pay my neighbour using my pension money. How much will I be left with? I also have to pay for the municipal services and provide for my family. My life is now difficult,” said Khoza.

Khoza questioned how such an error could occur, especially since she receives her pension money from the Sassa every month.

“What worries me most is that I receive my grant monthly from the same institution, yet it does not flag that I am allegedly registered as its employee. Something sinister is happening, and an investigation is required,” said Khoza.

She said the matter has left her with more questions than answers, and she has called on the relevant authorities to urgently investigate.

On January 7, Khoza visited the Sassa offices in Evander to seek clarity on the municipality’s claim. Sassa officials gave her a confirmation letter stating that Khoza is a grant recipient, not an employee.

Donald Green, the media liaison and content developer at the GMM, said Khoza must visit the municipal offices with all her supporting documents to appeal the decision.

Green said the indigent registration programme aims to improve the lives of those residents unable to pay for municipal services due to their socio-economic status.

“To qualify as indigent, the combined and verified total gross monthly income (excluding social, foster care, disability, and child grants) of all occupants of a household over 18 years of age must not exceed R6 000 per month,” said Green.

Green said qualifying beneficiaries will receive these benefits:

• 100% subsidy up to 10Kl per household per month. However, if consumption exceeds 10Kl per metering period (month), the consumer will be charged at the normal indigent tariff for the actual consumption on the quantity exceeding 10Kl;

• 100% subsidy up to 50KWh per household per month. However, if consumption exceeds 50KWh per metering period (month), the consumer will be charged at the normal indigent tariff for the actual consumption on the quantity exceeding 50KWh;

• Sewerage charges and charges for household refuse removal. The relief granted shall be as determined by the council as part of each annual budget, for the monthly amount billed for the service concerned.

“It is the responsibility of households to visit municipal offices to complete applications for subsidy and consideration.

“Individuals applying for or receiving indigent support for basic services are required to be honest about their income and household financial situation.

“Providing false or misleading information is considered fraud and carries serious consequences,” said Green.