The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has revived its food relief programme that was disrupted by the recent looting and unrest in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

Sassa will now provide social relief vouchers instead of food parcels available at selected service providers, as part of the standard social relief of distress programme administered by the agency in terms of the Social Assistance Act. 

Recipients of social grants do not qualify for social relief of distress, and an application, supported by documentary evidence, is required for each person requiring support.

Sassa CEO Busisiwe Memela-Khambula said the unrest had worsened the situation of vulnerable and needy families who do not have a means of income and rely on government interventions.

"Sassa is calling for calm as it works around the clock to restore this food relief programme countrywide in this hour of need. We also appeal to communities to spare a thought for the vulnerable at all times because they bear the brunt of this unrest,” she said.

She also warned the public about the dangers of sharing fake news, in relation to a poster that is circulating on social media claiming that social relief of distress can be applied for electronically.

Memela-Khambula says this is not true adding that all applications must be made at a Sassa office.

Meanwhile, previously suspended cash in-transit (CIT) services to Sassa cash pay points resumed on Monday, July 19, except in KwaZulu-Natal.

“This after CIT companies suspended cash delivery to pay points last week due to the unrest. The situation is now relatively under control and new payment dates have been circulated to affected beneficiaries especially in rural areas. Gauteng and the Western Cape have already received this service at their cash pay-points,” said Memela-Khambula.