Elderly people, including those who receive government grants, are concerned after social media rumours spread that they will not receive their money if they still have the gold cards, they use to withdraw it.
People say that have they heard that cards are being changed and that those who have not done so will not be paid next month.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has issued a notice refuting rumours that the public will not receive money in December if their cards are not changed.
It stated that when changes to cards or changes made by SASSA are made, the public will be properly informed by officials.
Zuzeka Booi (66), of Scenery Park, said she was shocked to hear the news because she relies on this money.
“It is not a lie to say that a person depends on this grant money; I rely on it because I have osteoarthritis and I am unable to do piece work washing people’s laundry.
“What were we going to eat for Christmas, and how was I going to get clothes for the children if we were not getting paid? Because there is not always enough money to go to town. When I realized this was a lie, I felt relieved,” Booi said.
Asanda Mpetha (27), a mother of two, expressed concern about how she would pay off her children’s Christmas clothing lay-buy. “I had heard this in the community, and this fallacy was spread, but I am relieved that SASSA confirmed it is not true,” Mpetha said.
Nkosiyabo Qavile (71) said he was losing hope because rumours circulated that they would not receive the grant with a gold card.
SASSA grant recipients gathered in front of City Hall in East London earlier this month to complain about not receiving their money, while others received it in insufficient amounts. Others were complaining that ATMs had ‘swallowed’ their cards.
Ubomi ejele kutata owadlwengula unyana wakhe ona-8