SASSA assures WC MPLs that its services 'not at risk of collapsing'

CAPE TOWN - The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) appeared before the Standing Committee on Social Development in the Western Cape Legislature on Monday to provide clarity on some of the challenges the agency has been facing.  

SASSA faces allegations of fraud in its social relief grant system, leaving beneficiaries without payments, and claims of people collapsing while waiting in long queues at its offices.  

The acting regional manager for SASSA Western Cape, Michael Nhlangothi, said the agency was working to overcome the obstacles.  

"We want to reassure the members of the standing committee that SASSA services are not at risk of collapsing. As a result, SASSA continues to provide dignified services to the citizens of Western Cape despite all challenges brought by fiscal pressures."

Nhlangothi said despite meeting its challenges, the agency has been subjected to media scrutiny.  

He added that many of the reports were published without giving SASSA an opportunity to respond.  

"No doubt that a series of negative reporting focusing on two of our local offices, namely Bellville and Eerste Rivier, attracted attention and inevitably unwarranted criticism from various sectors."