No disruption for social grants
There is no requirement for Sapo funds to be utilised to pay grant beneficiaries
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) and South African Post Office (Sapo) have assured the general public and those who benefit from social grants will continue to get their social grants on time.
According to a statement released by Sapo, the reported suggestions that Sapo will no longer be able to process social grant payments were false.
”We assure everyone that social grant payments to all the more than 11 million Sassa beneficiaries will not be disrupted.” It was indicated that funds will be deposited directly into the beneficiaries’ accounts monthly by Sassa and Sapo as a distributor of those of which are deposited into the post bank Sassa or Sapo gold card account, as there is a contract agreement between Sassa and Sapo on the management of the cards. “
ALSO READ: What you need to know when applying for a SASSA grant
They said it is up to the beneficiary to choose where they want to access their funds from.
“This may be through any ATM’s, merchant point of sale devices, post offices or at one of the remaining Sassa cash pay points. The Sassa or Sapo gold card can also be used everywhere where visa cards are accepted for the purchase of goods, as it is a fully fledged debit card. There is no requirement for Sapo funds to be utilised to pay grant beneficiaries. Therefore, the weekend media reports are inaccurate to state that beneficiaries might not get paid because of Sapo,” they added.
Sapo also said they want to clear the air based on reports that they are on R60 million loss on grant payments.
“The R60 million in the report actually reflects a cost figure of Sapo that is associated with the grants payments contract and not a loss.”
ALSO READ: Sassa grants: who qualifies, and how do you apply?
They also highlighted that reports of Sapo closing pay points were false.
“Sapo’s current turnaround efforts, and pursuit for additional revenue streams, have no bearing on its grant payments relationship with Sassa which is a long term contract.”
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