South Africa’s newly appointed minister of social development has moved to calm concerns among grant beneficiaries, assuring them that monthly payments will not be affected by the transition to a new payment card system.
Dina Pule told the Government Communication and Information System on Tuesday that the 28 million South Africans who depend on social grants should not worry about the change from the South African Social Security Agency gold card to the Postbank black card.
“I want to assure the people of South Africa, especially South African Social Security Agency beneficiaries, that they must not worry. They will receive their grants on time. All they need to do is change from the gold card to the black card, but this will never affect their grants,” Pule said.
The minister said the Department of Social Development, SASSA, Postbank and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies were working together to ensure a smooth migration process.
Grant payments will continue to be deposited directly into beneficiaries’ chosen bank accounts, including Postbank and commercial banks, she said.
“Beneficiaries should remain calm. Their grants will continue to be paid into their accounts every month, and they can withdraw their money using their bank cards at participating outlets,” Pule said.
She added that the new payment system would reduce logistical challenges previously associated with transporting cash to payment points, making the process more efficient. Government is also introducing biometric verification measures to strengthen the integrity of the payment system.
First 100 days in office
Looking ahead to her first three months as minister, Pule said her focus would be on implementing the department’s strategic plan, strengthening internal systems and ensuring the right people are appointed to key positions.
The department manages an annual budget of about R300 billion and provides social assistance to approximately 28 million South Africans through various grant programmes.
“The department exists to improve the lives of people who are in need. Our responsibility is to ensure that we improve the lives of vulnerable South Africans and provide them with the support they require,” she said.
Drawing on her previous experience in provincial and national government, Pule said integrity, accountability, teamwork and open communication would underpin her leadership approach.
“We are dealing with people, public funds and vulnerable communities. That requires integrity, accountability and mutual respect. Communication is equally important because it allows us to respond to the concerns of the public and resolve challenges as quickly as possible,” she said.
Substance abuse a priority
The minister identified substance abuse as one of the department’s major priorities, particularly among young people.
Pule said the department co-chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Substance Abuse together with the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, working alongside the departments of health, justice and constitutional development, police, and trade, industry and competition.
Prevention programmes targeting young people, including skills development initiatives and awareness campaigns, continue to be rolled out.
Specialised programmes are also available for pregnant women affected by substance abuse, while rehabilitation centres across the provinces continue to provide treatment, counselling and reintegration support.
Survivors of gender-based violence are supported through facilities that provide protection and rehabilitation services, she said.
Child protection
Protecting children from trafficking, unlawful removal and other forms of exploitation also remains a key priority.
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Pule explained that the department works closely with the Border Management Authority to identify children travelling unaccompanied or under suspicious circumstances.
“When children are travelling without their parents or guardians, investigations are immediately initiated to establish the circumstances. Where necessary, social workers are deployed to intervene and ensure that children are protected,” she said.
The department has a dedicated directorate responsible for child protection, with social workers conducting investigations and intervening whenever children are identified as being at risk of trafficking or exploitation.
Pule reaffirmed the department’s commitment to strengthening social protection programmes and ensuring that the country’s most vulnerable citizens continue to receive the support and protection they need.
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