Mpumalanga: The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Mpumalanga has announced the automatic cancellation of all fraudulent R370 COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant payments. The agency has taken this step to ensure that financial aid reaches the rightful beneficiaries and to uphold the integrity of the grant distribution process.
According to South African Government News Agency, the SRD grant is administered in compliance with app-section 32 of the Social Assistance Act, 2004 (Act No. 13 of 2004) and is implemented with the approval of the Minister of Finance. This grant is designed for South African citizens, refugees, asylum seekers, and special permit holders between the ages of 18 and 60 who lack sufficient means, do not receive social grants for themselves, are not contributing to or eligible for Unemployment Insurance Fund payments, and have no other sources of financial support.
In a statement issued on Monday, SASSA stressed its obligation to cancel all fraudulent grant payments, reiterating its commitment to fighting fraud and ensuring that grants are distributed to eligible individuals. Beneficiaries whose grants are canceled due to suspected fraud have the opportunity to reapply.
“SASSA implemented this activity to ensure that the Agency pays social grants to the right people and avoid fraud,” the Agency stated. It also urged individuals to protect their identity numbers from being used for fraudulent activities, advising beneficiaries not to divulge their identity numbers to strangers.
To tackle these cases effectively, SASSA has deployed a team of well-trained officials to handle COVID-19 SRD grant cases. Beneficiaries suspecting fraudulent activity involving their grants are urged to report it promptly through SASSA’s toll-free hotline or WhatsApp service.
The Agency further advised beneficiaries that if their status reads ‘referred’, it indicates suspected fraudulent activity, and they should contact SASSA immediately to resolve the issue. Additionally, SASSA cautioned beneficiaries against frequently changing their banking details and contact numbers, as such changes can delay the payment process.
For assistance or more information, beneficiaries can reach SASSA toll-free at 0800 60 10 11 or call 013 754 9428/9363 during working hours from Monday to Friday. WhatsApp inquiries can be directed to 082 046 8553.