Thousands queue for pensions during Covid-19 lockdown
In Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala and Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza visited paypoints to check on compliance and proceedings.
Thousands of pensioners across the South Coast flocked to various pay points to receive their social grant payments this morning (Monday).
Provision was made by government for social grant recipients, especially pensioners to receive their grants early for the month of April, due to the 21 day lockdown.
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March 30th and 31st were announced as days reserved for pensioners, while other social grant receivers will collect theirs on April 1.
Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula also announced that public transport could operate between 9am and 8pm on these days.
The Herald visited Port Edward where thousands of pensioners had queued from as early as 5am on Monday to collect their grants.
Spar Port Edward management offered the pensioners soup and sandwiches while they waited.
Pensioner, Nokubonga Nzimakwe said she was very grateful as she had left home at 4am.
“I have not eaten. I also cannot go and buy anything until I collect my grant as I have no money. This means I can now have something in my stomach while I wait,”she said.
Spar managers, Shane Weller and Mthobisi Mpisane said they served stew, soup, and sandwiches to more than 5 000 pensioners every month.
In Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala and Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza visited paypoints to check on compliance and proceedings.
They are currently visiting the Post Office and Port Shepstone central and will be part of a road block later today.
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