The Democratic Alliance (DA) has requested the deployment of Northern Cape SAPS officials in areas like Steinkopf over social grant payment periods, following threats to the safety of grant beneficiaries and the secure withdrawal of their social grants.
The DA received complaints from pensioners and young mothers in Steinkopf, that they are increasingly becoming victims of crime when trying to access their social grants on scheduled payment dates.
This situation is compounded by the shortage of available funds at local ATMs, forcing vulnerable beneficiaries to leave home and set up camp in long queues from midnight, further exposing them to danger.
The DA welcomes the commitment made by local banks in Steinkopf to address the requests by grant beneficiaries, to ensure that ATMs have adequate funds available, especially on Old Age and Child Support Grant payout days. We also appreciate their assurance that security will be bolstered on these days, by the deployment of security officials, to ensure the safety of all clients.
The DA has requested the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt Gen Koliswa Otola, to also extend a helping hand by arranging increased police visibility in areas where ATMs are located, to help safeguard beneficiaries. We have also reported this matter to the Department of Social Development.
Social grant beneficiaries are already vulnerable and government must therefore mobilise adequate resources to ensure that their lives and safety net is protected all times.