Minister Dlamini satisfied with grant payments
Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini says this month's distribution of grants has been a humbling experience, as beneficiaries have given government a second chance.
Minister Dlamini was speaking outside the Ipeleng Community Centre in Soweto, where she was overseeing the payment of social grants at South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) pay points.
"I am happy and satisfied with how smoothly the process is going. Therefore we have to try by all means to meet the timelines that have been given to us," said Dlamini.
Minister Dlamini warned grant recipients about unlawful deductions.
"Any burial scheme or insurance can deduct 10% of the grant but no loans. This is not about loans".
"We have also heard that there are loan sharks at certain pension pay points who claim to be part of government. This is not true as government is not part of any loan shark scheme," she said.
Minister Dlamini also pleaded with grant recipients not to purchase anything over the telephone.
The Department has so far paid out R3.3billion, while 6 million transactions have been made.
The payment of social grants is expected to run until 21 April 2017.