SASSA brings in 1 000 extra hande

NewsSportLifestyleEntertainmentOpinionNewsSASSA brings in 1 000 extra handeTracy-Lynn Ruiters|Published 5 hours agoCopy to ClipboardAsk AIVERSTERKING – 1 000 contract workers as SASSA staff shortages pile pressure on offices

SASSA is moving to tackle severe staffing pressures at its offices by filling vacancies and deploying about 1 000 additional contract workers across the country.

The move was announced during a SASSA media briefing in Cape Town amid complaints about long queues, delays and pressure on frontline staff.

SASSA CEO Themba Matlou said vacancies were partly caused by employees leaving through early retirement and voluntary exit programmes.

He said management had developed an intervention plan to replace officials who had left, with most vacant positions expected to be filled soon.

The additional contract workers will assist beneficiaries with enquiries, applications and grant reviews, as well as queue management and other frontline services.

The staffing boost comes as offices deal with growing numbers of beneficiaries needing help with applications, reviews and other administrative processes.

Grant reviews have added further pressure, with some beneficiaries required to verify changes in their income, employment or circumstances to confirm they still qualify for assistance.

Black Sash has raised concerns about long queues, repeated visits and delays or interruptions in payments linked to the review process.

SASSA is also expanding digital services to reduce the need for beneficiaries to visit offices.