Pensioners in Mitchells Plain, who depend on government SASSA grants, have been left frustrated and without their stipends due to the absence of a local post office.
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The community has expressed anger over what they describe as ‘constant misdirection’ from local SASSA officials, having yet to receive their July 2024 grants.
The closure of the Mitchells Plain Post Office in 2023, due to financial difficulties, has compounded the issue.
According to a Daily Voice report, a resident recounted her experience of travelling to the Grassy Park Post Office over three consecutive days, only to be informed that the system would be operational in a few days.
However, upon her return, she was told the system had glitched, the money had been withdrawn from the account, and the matter was under investigation. She was advised that it could take two to three months for pensioners to receive their money.
This issue specifically affects those using the old SASSA yellow card, not those with personal bank accounts. The resident, along with others, is demanding the reopening of the local post office, citing high taxi fares and the strain on pensioners as significant concerns.
SASSA spokesperson Shivani Wahab highlighted that SASSA and Post Bank had announced in 2023 the phasing out of physical cash payment points and cash withdrawals of social grants at post offices.
This policy came into effect in January 2024, aiming to enhance the overall customer experience.
Despite this, the implementation has left many Mitchells Plain pensioners in a difficult position.
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Picture: SASSA News / Facebook