Tolashe apologises to social grant beneficiaries for delayed payments, lack of communication

CAPE TOWN - Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe has apologised to social grant beneficiaries for their delayed payments and lack of communication.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has come under fire for not informing affected beneficiaries timeously that they needed to verify their accounts before payment was made.

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SASSA has identified 210,000 beneficiaries suspected of not disclosing additional income.

Many social grant beneficiaries have told Eyewitness News that they did not get any indication from SASSA that their accounts have been flagged as suspicious.

Tolashe said she understands people's frustrations.

"We criticise ourselves on the communication strategy which we have really built and is far better than it was. Yes, we agree that some people may not have been informed properly - we apologise profusely."

Tolashe said the review process is important to ensure that only qualifying recipients benefit.