Management at the Alberton City Shopping Centre has urged Postbank and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to increase their efforts in helping grant beneficiaries update their payment cards. This appeal comes as the shopping centre, located east of Johannesburg, has been overwhelmed by large numbers of grant recipients trying to meet the update deadline.
Overwhelmed by Demand
Since the implementation of the new payment system in October last year, many grant beneficiaries have delayed updating their cards, leading to a last-minute rush to comply. Centre management reported that they have been struggling to manage the influx, with an average of 800 to 1,000 beneficiaries visiting the shopping centre daily for assistance. However, only about 150 people can be helped per day due to limited capacity.
Despite their best efforts to assist beneficiaries swiftly, the situation remains challenging without sufficient manpower from Postbank, which is responsible for facilitating the card updates.
SASSA
Measures Taken by Centre Management
To manage the situation and minimize disruptions to the shopping centre’s regular operations, management has taken several steps. Lenita Chuna, the centre’s marketing manager, explained that queues have been moved to the undercover parking area to provide shelter and ensure beneficiaries are more comfortable while waiting. Additional seating, extra security, and refreshments have also been provided where possible to ease the stress of waiting.
These measures are intended to maintain a sense of order and ensure that normal operations continue for the rest of the shopping centre’s customers. However, Chuna emphasized that the centre was not informed in advance about the card update process or advised to prepare for the large influx of people.
Call for Action
Chuna and the rest of the centre’s management have called on Postbank and SASSA to step up their efforts to support grant recipients. They urged the two entities to deploy additional staff and resources to assist with the card update process, particularly during this peak period.
“Without adequate manpower from Postbank, it becomes almost impossible for us to effectively manage the crowds while also maintaining our usual shopping centre operations,” Chuna said. “We’re doing what we can, but we need more help.”
Beneficiaries Left Frustrated
Many grant beneficiaries have expressed frustration with the situation, citing long wait times and confusion about the card update process. Some have complained about arriving at the centre early in the morning, only to be turned away because they couldn’t be assisted that day.
“I didn’t know we had to update our cards until recently,” said one grant recipient. “Now it feels like we’re being punished for something we weren’t properly informed about.”
Others have called for more communication from Postbank and SASSA regarding the update deadlines and clearer instructions on where to go for assistance.
Postbank and SASSA’s Responsibility
Postbank and SASSA have been tasked with managing the transition to the new payment system, which aims to improve security and efficiency in the disbursement of social grants. However, the sudden surge in demand suggests that more could have been done to prepare beneficiaries and ensure the process ran smoothly.
Both entities have yet to respond to the shopping centre’s appeal for additional resources or address the mounting frustrations of grant recipients.
Conclusion
The Alberton City Shopping Centre has gone to great lengths to manage the influx of grant beneficiaries, but it is clear that more support is needed from Postbank and SASSA to address the situation effectively. With the update deadline looming, time is running out for many beneficiaries to comply, and the risk of further chaos and frustration remains high. Unless immediate action is taken, both beneficiaries and shopping centres like Alberton City may continue to face significant challenges in the days to come.