Sassa strike could leave vulnerable without social grants

This is according to the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu), which is planning a nationwide strike at Sassa offices.

The trade union outlined its plans for the nationwide shutdown on Wednesday.

“As for today and tomorrow, our members will be engaged in different forms of activities in all centres as a mop up programme and build up programme towards the full blown strike scheduled to commence as from 10 October 2018. On Wednesday, the total shutdown will begin which shall halt all Sassa operations until our demands are fully met,” says Nehawu’s general secretary Zola Saphatha.

Nehawu says the reasons for the strike include the introduction of the biometric enrolment of beneficiaries system, which they believe makes Sassa staff members more susceptible to fraud. 

“The strike comes as a result of the refusal by the Sassa management to resolve the challenges brought about by the migration of the Social Grant and Payment System from Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) to the South African Post Office. These challenges include the introduction of biometric enrolment of beneficiaries and staff, Grant Business Process and the SOCPEN fund,” adds Saphetha.

It is still not clear how long the strike will last, but Nehawu says it is still open to talks with Sassa and Social Development Minister Susan Shabangu.