The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) will not process new applications for R350. The social relief of distress grant was introduced under the Disaster Management Act in 2020, to assist those who had lost economic opportunities and were badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sassa spokesman Paseka Letsatsi said no applications would be processed until Covid-19 regulations had been amended.
The Department of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation on Monday clarified confusion around the SASSA social relief grant and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), saying it is impossible for students to benefit from both.
“Since the state of disaster ended, the grant now has to be included under the Social Assistance Act. Sassa cannot process applications without making sure that the law is followed,” said Letsatsi.
“This is just an administrative arrangement that we are confident will be resolved and not leave people behind. We don’t want people to panic,” he added.
Those already receiving the money would continue until March 2023, after President Cyril Ramaphosa extended the relief.
Here are collection dates according to recipients’ last three ID numbers:
- 22 April: 080 and 085
- 25 April: 081 and 086
- 26 April: 082 and 087
- 28 April: 083 and 088
- 29 April: 084 and 089
In other news – VIDEO: Gospel star Deborah Fraser now using a wheelchair as she can’t walk anymore
“I’m not acting, I can’t walk”. These were the words of legendary gospel singer, Dr. Deborah Fraser (56). The reveal came after a TikTokvideo of her performing in a wheelchair was shared on social media.
The video sparked speculation, with some saying she was acting and others suspecting she could be sick. Speaking to the publication, the Abanye Bayombona hitmaker said she would never pretend to be in a wheelchair as it is not a nice place to be. Learn More