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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape is alarmed by the situation where South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant beneficiaries are choosing to sleep outside the Bellville SASSA office, some since Sunday, in a desperate attempt to access the grant money they urgently need to survive. While not forced, these individuals have resorted to this drastic measure due to ongoing delays and inefficiencies in service delivery. The DA will report this incident to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), as this situation highlights SASSA’s failure to ensure the right of beneficiaries to social security.

Upon being alerted to the issue an immediate unannounced oversight visit to the Bellville SASSA office was conducted to assess the situation. Further unannounced visits to SASSA offices across the province will be conducted and a report of issues at SASSA offices will be compiled and presented to the Provincial Minister of Social Development, Mr Jaco Londt. While the Provincial Minister has no mandate over SASSA, he has been actively engaging with provincial SASSA management regularly to address these challenges and foster improved service delivery.

During the oversight visit, beneficiaries shared the following serious concerns:

• Many have been returning to the office for three weeks, still without assistance.
• There is a pressing need for online services to reduce the backlog.
• People are becoming ill while waiting, with one disability grant applicant having a seizure while we were present.
• There are no ablution facilities on-site, forcing people to pay for access nearby. This is particularly difficult for elderly and disabled individuals.
• Senior officials are rarely seen addressing the situation or providing any oversight.
• Vulnerable people are exposed to harsh weather and criminal risks while sleeping outside.

SASSA management has attributed the backlog to a high influx of clients, including those whose temporary disability grants have lapsed and people migrating from other provinces. However, SASSA’s challenges are further compounded by staff shortages and inadequate infrastructure, which have severely affected their ability to meet the growing demand for services. While an appointment system is in place and services are structured by grant type, the overwhelming demand, combined with these operational issues, has left beneficiaries in limbo.

MPP Wendy Kaizer-Philander commented and said: “The current situation at the Bellville SASSA office is deeply troubling and entirely unacceptable. Vulnerable beneficiaries, many of whom are elderly and disabled, have resorted to sleeping outside in a desperate bid to access the grants they rely on to meet their basic needs. This extreme measure is a direct consequence of the continued systemic failures in SASSA’s service delivery.

No one should have to endure such conditions, where their dignity is stripped away, and their basic human rights are compromised simply to access the social assistance they are entitled to. These individuals, exposed to the elements and potential dangers while waiting for days on end, are victims of a system that is failing them. Immediate intervention is needed.”

Issued by Wendy Kaizer-Philander, MPP - DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Social Development