It’s bad news for SASSA old-age grant beneficiaries who participate in Community Work Programmes (CWPs). Managed by the Department of Corporate Governance and Traditional Affairs (DOCGTA), CWPs provide a job safety net for the unemployed. Programme participants do community work in their area for the benefit of everyone. However, it seems that old-age pensioners who’ve been giving their time and expertise are no longer welcome.
BLOW FOR SASSA OLD-AGE GRANT BENEFICIARIES
The next payment date for SASSA old-age grant beneficiaries falls on Tuesday 3 September 2024. Those aged 60 to 74 will receive R2 180 and recipients aged 75 and older are in line to receive R2 200. The good news is, while they remain unchanged next month, grants are set to increase in October 2024.
So, why has DOCGTA cancelled CWP participation by pensioners benefiting from South African Social Security Agency grants? Under the new leadership of Minister Sisisi Tolasha, SASSA has undertaken a thorough verification exercise in collaboration with government, reports The Citizen.
‘DOUBLE DIP’ FROM THE SAME SOURCE
The department came out and explained that SASSA old-age grant beneficiaries are effectively getting a ‘double benefit’ through the CWP. “CWP is funded from the same fiscus as SASSA old-age grants, so it is prudent to avoid double dipping. By removing participants who are above the age of 60, the department can focus on those who rely solely on CWP for their livelihoods,” explained DOCGTA.
As a result, formal letters notifying SASSA old-age grant beneficiaries of the decision have been issued. The department reiterates that it is actively working to eradicate poverty and empower economically vulnerable communities through community development. The department designed the programme to facilitate the intake and create sustainable socioeconomic exit paths for temporary participants – particularly woman and the youth.
Just last week, Stats SA revealed South Africa’s expanded unemployment rate to be 42.6%, which is an increase of 0.7% and the highest ever in the country’s history. Plus, the total number of unemployed women currently sits at 4.1 million, which represents a 0.6% increase. Similarly, youth and school-leavers aged 18-24 continue to have the highest unemployment rate of all in South Africa at 60.8%.
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