Sassa’s refusal to process biometric enrolments will lead to further backlogs according to Masango
When September ends, there will be millions of people trying to get onto the Sassa system, but unsuccessfully so due to a backlog being created as we speak.
While millions of existing beneficiaries of the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) have either received or are struggling to receive their new cards, millions of others can’t even get onto the system.
Ever since the announcement was made that Sassa would be discontinuing the use of the old Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) system and transitioning to a partnership with the South African Post Office (Sapo), there have been continuous problems with the system. Whether beneficiaries have had issues making the transition to the Sapo system, or whether they’ve not received their grants, the problems have seemed endless.
And now the problems just seem to continue streaming in, albeit for individuals looking to become a beneficiary this time. People who have been trying to get their biometric enrolments done via Sassa have continuously been met with brick wall after brick wall.
Also Read:
https://roodepoortnorthsider.co.za/277675/heres-where-you-can-swap-your-old-sassa-card-for-a-new-one-web-only/
According to DA member of Parliament and Shadow Minister of Social Development, Bridget Masango, these problems have been caused by the refusal of Sassa’s staff to process biometric enrolments, as it is not what they are paid to do.
When Sassa still made use of the old CPS system, CPS would be paid to handle and carry out the biometric enrolments. But now that CPS is no longer there to do them, Sassa staff have to, and they will not do it.
“The staff are now saying that Sassa must take the money that CPS was being paid and add it to their salaries, and add the enrolment process to their job descriptions, because at the moment neither are in place,” Masango explained. “But they aren’t striking, they’re simply taking a go-slow approach.”
She further explained that this will only worsen Sassa’s woes when the end of September comes round and they’ll have millions of individuals looking to become beneficiaries who were turned away due to the refusal to process them earlier on. Masango also pointed out that by denying them the chance to enrol, Sassa staff are going against the Constitution.
“They [the beneficiaries] are due this money constitutionally, and how much more unconstitutional can you get than to deny them that right?” Masango concluded.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at northsider@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
