Social distancing on grant day lacking
Social distancing did not seem to be a concern in the long queues. There was no visible law enforcement either to ensure that the public adheres to the strict measures the government has put in place to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) announced earlier in March that they would pay social grants to older persons and persons with disabilities on March 30 and 31.
SASSA also confirmed that other beneficiaries will be able to access their grants from 1 April. Some lockdown restrictions have been eased to accommodate thousands of South African citizens.
In the early morning of Monday, 30 March the Northsider visited a few pay points within the West Rand and witnessed long queues that meandered from an ABSA ATM through the Roodepoort CBD as early as 6am.
Social distancing did not seem to be a concern in the long queues. There was no visible law enforcement either to ensure that the public adheres to the strict measures the government has put in place to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
“More needs to be done in terms of educating the community on this virus. If one person here has the virus, all of us are likely to be infected,” said retired school teacher, Nombulelo Zukande.
The queue outside the Post Office and Checkers in Westgate reminded one of the first democratic elections in the country when people queued in long lines to vote.
According to SASSA, at least 17 million beneficiaries across the country are expected to travel and queue for their payments.
Speaking at the Gauteng Provincial Government Command Council on Sunday, acting MEC for Social Development, Panyaza Lesufi confirmed more than 700 000 elderly and disabled residents in the province would receive social grants over the allocated two days.
Meanwhile, taxis and buses are allowed to operate throughout the week to transport SASSA beneficiaries, who have been advised to carry both their Identity Documents and SASSA cards when travelling to collection points.
