By Phaladi Seakgwe

Social Development Minister Susan Shabangu delivered her maiden Budget speech in her new portfolio to Parliament on 09 May 2018.

Read the full speech below.

For pictures click here

By Phaladi Seakgwe

Social Development Minister Susan Shabangu together with Human Settlement Minister Nomaindia Mfeketo visited Khayelitsha in Cape Town to offer support to the families who lost their loved ones during a fire blaze that destroyed their shacks and leaving eight people dead.

Minister Shabangu told the media in Khayelitsha that government will intervene to ensure that those who are affected receive the necessary assistance. She said social workers will help those who need counseling after the tragic incident. The minister further committed that the Department of Social Development and SASSA will help the families in every way possible during this difficult period.

Minister Shabangu will deliver the budget vote for the department on 09 May 2018 in Parliament.

By Phaladi Seakgwe

Social Development Minister Susan Shabangu visited the post office in Worcester, Western Cape as well as the local SASSA office to check how the enrolment system is functioning and how beneficiaries are responding to it as part of the transition. 

Flanked by the Acting SASSA CEO Mr Abraham Mahlangu as well as other executives from the agency, Minister Shabangu was taken through the post office processes inside the Worcester post office and got the assurance from management that the post office is capable to deliver on the agreement with SASSA.

She went further to engage with beneficiaries of social grants at the Worcester local office as well as observe the enrolment and card issuance processes. Speaking to community members in the area, Minister Shabangu encouraged them to take up the new SASSA card and opt to receive their money in a manner that will not result in charges when making withdrawals. "I want to encourage you to go to your nearest SASSA offices and post office facilities for card swap. We are replacing the old SASSA card with the new card which have some good benefits for you. With the new card, no one will deduct money from you", said the Minister.

She further emphasized that the deadlines as given by the court to deal with cash payments will be met as the court was very unequivocal in terms of its directive.

As she displayed and introduced the new SASSA card to beneficiaries during this occasion, she also appealed to them to make the right choice that will have no financial disadvantages on their part in terms of charges.