'People are sleeping on the street' - The reality of SASSA beneficiaries

Lester Kiewit is joined by Wendy Kaizer-Philander, Standing Committee on Social Development Chairperson in the Western Cape.

Listen below

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The Democratic Alliance (DA) claimed last week that several unannounced visits to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offices in the Western Cape exposed a pattern of inefficiencies and failures that continue to deny beneficiaries their right to social security.

Issues include chronic staff shortages, technical issues with SASSA's online systems and inadequate infrastructure, including a lack of ablution facilities and shelter.

Broadcasting live from the Bellville SASSA offices on Tuesday morning, Lester Kiewit went to see firsthand what beneficiaries are experiencing.

The DA's Wendy Kaizer-Philander says SASSA officials were invited to appear before the Western Cape Standing Committee of Social Development this week to address the concerns.

"Budgetary constraints plays a vital role in it, but what we heard yesterday from the head of SASSA national, especially in terms of human resources, I mean, if someone is in service [at SASSA]...and they leave...it is not guaranteed that position will be filled."

Wendy Kaizer-Philander, Chairperson - Standing Committee on Social Development Western Cape

Kaizer-Philander explains that a national committee decides whether or not the position is filled and says the reason behind the long queues at many SASSA offices is due to a lack of personnel.

"When that person leaves, why is the position not filled?The clients cannot bear the brunt of SASSA national not filling those positions and that is a major concern."

Wendy Kaizer-Philander, Chairperson - Standing Committee on Social Development Western Cape

Kaizer-Philander was part of the team that carried out unannounced inspections of SASSA offices recently.

Responding to claims by some at SASSA that the media has overstated the problems at its offices, she says 'we were actually there experiencing the lived realities of beneficiaries.'

"How can you talk away the fact that people sleep over on the streets because they want to be assisted?"

Wendy Kaizer-Philander, Chairperson - Standing Committee on Social Development Western Cape

"There is no system in place to ensure that when someone isn't assisted on the one day, that come the next day that person will at least reach first in the line."

Wendy Kaizer-Philander, Chairperson - Standing Committee on Social Development Western Cape

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