Sassa blames backlog for long queues at some offices

The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) is blaming the long queues at some of its offices on a backlog in its system. On Thursday, the Pretoria office was once again brimming with people needing to apply for child support grants.

Beneficiaries braved long queues in the cold hoping to apply for the grant. But it seems the agency’s new appointment system for applications and queries is causing massive frustrations. Sassa says it’s working at one-third of its capacity as per lockdown regulations.

But, beneficiaries are complaining about the long waiting times. I have been here since four this morning. Next thing, we get told they are only going to take 50 people per day,” said one of the beneficiaries.

“Then you’re told you’ll receive an appointment date for when to return, but it’s never for the following day. Sassa is promising that people will receive their grant within this month.  Coronavirus Hotline Number: 0800 029 999 from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday.

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Send HI to 0600 123 456 on WhatsApp. The NICD has another Clinician Hotline to improve #COVID19 communication and support for healthcare providers. The Clinician Hotline is 0800 11 1131, operating 24 hrs. The Public Hotline is 0800 029 999 also operating 24hrs.

In other news – Black Coffee to host final Home Brewed session

Black Coffee announced the final Home Brewed session after raising over R350 000 for Covid-19 On Monday. The “Drive” hitmaker said that he is gearing up for his the ultimate lockdown party as he bids farewell to “Home Brewed” streaming sessions, on Saturday, May 16. Over the past weeks, the world-renowned music producer, has managed to help raise funds for different charities through his streaming platforms. Read more

Source: eNCA