Sassa blames computer glitch for beneficiaries being charged up to R50
Some social security grant beneficiaries were charged extra when withdrawing grants, but Sassa says they were using old CPS cards and have yet to move to the SA Post Office
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) says a computer glitch resulted in hundreds of beneficiaries being charged up to R50 when withdrawing their grants at stores this month. "These were mostly beneficiaries still using the old Sassa cards still being paid by Cash Payment Services (CPS). Yesterday‚ we were told that there was a computer problem and the deductions would be refunded‚" Dianne Dunkerley‚ executive manager of grants administration at Sassa‚ told MPs on Wednesday. Dunkerley was responding to questions raised by MPs about the "unexplained deduction". She urged all beneficiaries who were paid less this month as a result of the glitch to "inform Sassa if they are not refunded". Sassa was briefing the portfolio committee on social development on its progress implementing the new payment plan with the South African Post Office (Sapo). This payment system seeks to entirely phase out CPS — previously contracted to pay all grants — by October. With less than two months...
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