/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The DA again calls on KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza to urgently seek answers from her national counterparts over the ongoing non-payment of SASSA grants in the province.

The renewed appeal comes after the DA was made aware of yet another community that have not received their monthly grants.

According to grant recipients in Kwalatshoda, who access their grants in either Port Edward and Hibberdene, their money was not available yesterday and they were told to come back today. This morning, they returned to find that there is still no money available.

This is unacceptable. Just getting to the SASSA offices is already a financial burden at R30 for a return trip, without any guarantee that they will receive their grants. That many are now unable to make the return trip home today – due to a lack of money - is extremely distressing.

Sadly, this latest payment crisis is not an isolated incident. In January, the DA also exposed that SASSA grants were not being paid to Hammarsdale residents. This after they had to queue for hours in unbearable heat, only to be told they might receive payment in February - and if not, they would have to reapply for their grants.

SASSA’s problems appear to be endless. Despite numerous appeals by the DA – at both a provincial and national level – to sort out this ongoing mess, nothing has changed.

For many, SASSA grants are the only of income for themselves and their families. The DA expects MEC Khoza to act swiftly and pressure her national counterparts to provide answers.

It is clear that this ANC-run government does not care about the people they claim to serve. Provincial government should be fighting on their behalf and not exacerbating their hardship.

When the people of our province go to the polls on 29 May, they will have the opportunity to rescue KZN and install a DA-led government – one that will fight for their rights and not leave them suffering and helpless.

Issued by Mmabatho Tembe, MPL - DA KZN Spokesperson on Social Development