22 January 2009
Social Development Minister, Dr Zola Skweyiya, has reacted sharply to
reports of the social relief of distress, through food parcels, being used to
secure votes for political purposes.
Minister Skweyiya was reacting to suggestions of food parcels being used for
political gains in some areas of the Eastern Cape. "Social grants are a
government responsibility. No political party should distribute forms or engage
in any work linked to the distribution of grants or any work of the Department
of Social Development and South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). We will
take action against anyone involved in any activity that violates the Social
Assistance legislation or who acts in any manner that may perpetuate fraud and
corruption in the social grants system.
"We urge members of the public to call our toll free line 0800 10 11 for
information or visit the nearest offices of South African Social Security
Agency (SASSA) or the Department of Social Development," Minister Skweyiya
said.
The Minister has urged all people including political parties and the media
to refrain from insinuating that the roll-out of this programme seeks to
achieve political means. He reminded everyone especially political parties that
when the additional R500 million was requested from the National Treasury, all
political parties during parliamentary discussions agreed this expenditure was
an 'absolute necessity' and would go a long way in assisting the poorest of the
poor.
"I urge SASSA staff to remain vigilant and report any fraudulent looking
applications to law enforcement agencies without delay," Minister Skweyiya
added.
For enquiries contact:
Mr Zanele Mngadi
Cell: 082 330 1148
Issued by: Department of Social Development
20 January 2009
Source: Department of Social Development (http://www.dsd.gov.za)
