LADYBRAND, Free State – Residents in Mantsopa Local Municipality are facing serious challenges in accessing social grant services from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), with delays and poor communication leaving vulnerable families without essential support.

Many beneficiaries, particularly elderly people, those with disabilities, and low-income families, are forced to travel long distances to SASSA offices only to wait for extended periods and return home without receiving assistance.

The service delivery failures place additional financial and emotional strain on people who depend on social grants for their daily survival. Community members report a lack of clear communication from SASSA officials and limited assistance when they do reach the offices.

The issues affect those most in need of timely access to support services, with vulnerable residents struggling to navigate the system to receive benefits to which they are entitled.

The Democratic Alliance has said it will escalate the matter to the Provincial Department of Social Development to hold them accountable for ensuring proper service delivery.

The community has called for urgent intervention to address the concerns, requesting that SASSA improve service delivery by ensuring timely assistance, clear communication, and fair access to all services in the municipality.

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