The year 2016 marks 10 years since the South African Social Security Agency opened its doors as a government institution to administer and distribute social grants. Minister Bathabile Dlamini will launch the campaign with the community of Zwide in Port Elizabeth.
When SASSA opened on April 1, 2016, 10 million grants were paid every month. Today the number has grown to 17 million grants with a monthly investment of R10 billion.
SASSA is an agency of the Department of Social Development which was established in terms of the Social Assistance Act 13 of 2004 to provide comprehensive social security services to eligible poor and vulnerable South African citizens.
Since it started operating, the entity has played an important role of breaking the cycle of poverty through provision of Social Relief of Distress (SRDs) such as school uniforms to children from poor households.
The 10 year celebrations will serve as an opportunity for the Department of Social Development and SASSA to assess progress made and to chart a way forward for a new payment system.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event planned as follows:
Date: Wednesday, July 06, 2016
Time: 12h00
Venue: Dan Qeqe Stadium,Zwide Township in Port Elizabeth - Eastern Cape Province
Media can RSVP by contacting Mr Jaconia Kobue - 073 026 1111 or jaconiak@dsd.gov.za or Justice Ditshego - 079 4977 426 or justiced@dsd.gov.za
Media Enquiries:
Ms Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
Email: lumkao@dsd.gov.za
