POSITIVE RECEPTION FOR SASSA ONLINE APPLICATION SERVICES IN THE WESTERN CAPE

By Sophia Manamela

• SASSA conducts outreach activations across the Western Cape to introduce beneficiaries to the online application system, aiming to enhance service delivery and save time.
• Residents across Paarl, Mosselbay, Gugulethu, and Khayelitsha engage with SASSA representatives, expressing satisfaction with the efficiency and convenience of the online process.
• Beneficiaries appreciate the swift assistance and convenience offered by the online application system, highlighting its potential to streamline service delivery and address common grievances.

Over the years there has been a rapid increase in digital technology usage, which has prompted organisations to change the way they work. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) recently held outreach activations aimed at educating social grant beneficiaries on the online application system. Not only is this system convenient, but it also aims to enhance service delivery and save clients’ time. These activations took place in various areas around the Western Cape, namely: Paarl, Mosselbay, Gugulethu and Khayelitsha. 

The activation kicked off at Paarl Spar East, located alongside the SASSA local offices. Hundreds of residents visited this location to try out the online application system and enquire about other services offered by SASSA. The majority of beneficiaries expressed their satisfaction with the swift turnaround time and convenience of saving time through this new system. During the Question and Answer (Q and A) session, the residents had the opportunity to hear from Mr Morne Nortjie, the Local Office Manager, who addressed their enquiries and provided answers.

One of the residents, Mr Pieters Pietersen, a new Old Age Grant applicant, shared his satisfaction, “I was hesitant at first to shift to online applications but I later realised how quick and easy it is to follow, even for an old man like myself”. The online service guide, Thabo, has truly made it smooth sailing. Thabo clearly explained all the steps in a slow and steady pace. 

The Mosselbay Thusong Service Centre hosted SASSA for the second day of the online applications activations.  The residents of Mosselbay filled up all the available seats as soon as the SASSA branding went up and clients’ enquiries were attended to even before the event could commence.  Approximately 25 people were assisted through the online application system while others had general enquiries which the Mosselbay Local Office Manager, Mr Amos attended to. 

Gugulethu was off to a slow start but quickly picked up as the Local Assistant Manager, Ms Dineo Manne started addressing the community at large. This particular day was flooded by young mothers and many of the grievances were still on the COVID-19 Social Relieve of Distress (SRD). SASSA dealt with an interesting case on this day from a young lady; Ms. Ayakha Duba, who explained that when she went to apply for the grant, she found that someone else had already applied with her details, down to her Identity number and personal details. Through the online system, she was then able to change the banking details of that application so that the funds were deposited directly into her account and not that of the duplicate. Ms Manne reiterated that the online applications will really go a long way in helping the beneficiaries with applications and enquiries from the comfort of their own homes. Beneficiaries sometimes spend the entire day in the local office and return home without receiving any assistance due to the multitude that flocks the local offices. 

Western Cape closed off the activations in Khayelitsha mall on Friday 23rd February where SASSA was joined by Zibonele FM “silapho ukhoyo” and an even bigger audience as compared to all the other venues. According to Mr Freddie Sidali, Khayelitsha Local Office Manager, Khayelitsha has a population of 2.4 million and 132 000 of these residents are SASSA recipients which clearly shows the impact SASSA has on the lives of the people. 

During an interview with Zibonele FM, Mr Sidali mentioned that there is only one SASSA office in Khayelitsha situated at the Kuyasa library that serves the entire community of Khayelitsha; Kuyasa, Makhaza, Nkanini, Zwezwe etc. Mr Sidali demonstrated how the online application system works as well as other services. Mrs  Nomsa Mphetha, the general line worker explained how difficult it is for the local office to accommodate everyone all at once and therefore appeals to the residents from other areas to use their local office and not all flood Khayelitsha and moreover use the online application system that is available at their disposal.

Overall the Western Cape activations proved to be a success as people are now more accepting of doing things online. The online system will play a pivotal role in ensuring beneficiaries and vulnerable members of society receive quality service from SASSA. SASSA encourages residents to continue exploring the benefits of the online application system to experience time saving and efficient services first hand. For further enquiries clients can call the toll-free customer care line on 0800 60 10 11.