For a soundbite of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Ms Bridget Masango, click on this link: https://iono.fm/e/1608033
Parliament, Wednesday, 15 October 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Social Development was informed about the severe challenges facing elderly social grant recipients in eMandeni, KwaZulu-Natal, following the phasing out of traditional pay points.
During a public engagement meeting held at the Lindiwe Tshabalala Hall today, an overwhelming number of senior citizens expressed deep frustration over the transportation difficulties they face on travelling to banks to collect their social grants. Many of them told the committee how the recent changes have negatively affected their ability to access grants safely.
The committee convened the session to provide a platform for the affected communities and key stakeholders to share their experiences and raise concerns regarding the provision of social assistance services in the province. Stakeholders included older persons, people with disabilities, caregivers of children receiving grants, youth, local traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, and civil society groups.
Residents emphasised that the former pay points had served as a critical link in the grant distribution system, particularly for the elderly. Since their removal, many grant recipients now face longer travel distances to alternative collection points such as ATMs and retail stores. For those living on limited funds with dependents, the cost of transport has become unspeakably burdensome.
Concerns were also raised about safety as elderly beneficiaries are increasingly vulnerable to theft and exploitation when collecting grants in public areas. Furthermore, many older citizens lack the digital literacy required to use ATMs or electronic payment systems effectively.
The committee noted with concern the negative impact of these changes on grant beneficiaries and stated that the phasing out of pay points is undermining the accessibility and dignity of social grant distribution, especially in vulnerable and rural communities.
The Committee announced that it will urgently engage the Minister of Social Development and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to develop workable and sustainable solutions to alleviate the ongoing challenges. It further informed residents that the Minister of Social Development had briefed the Committee that the Department has instructed SASSA to develop alternative delivery models aimed at improving accessibility for both applications and payments of social grants within the 2025/2026 financial year. This initiative will primarily focus on beneficiaries living in rural areas.
SASSA further reported that it is in the process of implementing the Alternative Payment Access (APA) solution. This initiative is designed to reduce travel distances for beneficiaries accessing the National Payment System (NPS). The APA solution will empower local small businesses to facilitate transactions through Point of Sale (POS) devices, enabling beneficiaries to purchase goods, access cash, and obtain essential services conveniently within their own communities.
“The goal is to ensure that all grant recipients, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, can continue to receive their social assistance in a manner that is safe, dignified, and convenient,” said Committee Chairperson, Ms Bridget Masango.
As part of its three-day oversight visit to the province, the Committee is also scheduled to meet with the National Development Agency (NDA). The purpose of this engagement is to assess the NDA’s role in supporting local civil society organisations through grant funding and non-financial capacity-building support. Special attention will be given to organisations that contribute to poverty eradication and employment creation, particularly those focusing on youth and persons with disabilities, who often fall within the category of current or potential social grant beneficiaries.
DETAILS OF TOMORROW’S PROGRAMME ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Thursday, 16 October 2025
Venue: NDA offices, Marine Drive, Durban
09:30 – 09:45 Opening Remarks by the Portfolio Committee on Social Development Chairperson, Hon BS Masango
09:45 – 10:20 Briefing by KZN NDA regional office to receive an overall presentation on the work of the NDA in the province
10:20 – 11:20: Committee deliberations and responses
11:20 – 13:00 Travel to Qalekhaya Shining Star Cooperative (150kms)
13:00 – 13:45: Lunch
13:45 – 15:30 Site visit at Qalekhaya Shining Star Cooperative
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES. ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, MS BRIDGET MASANGO.
To confirm attendance for the activities listed above and for media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Malentsoe Magwagwa (Ms)
Cell: 081 716 5824
Email: mmagwagwa@parliament.gov.za
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