SAHRC must conclude SASSA investigation urgently
11 January 2024
The DA has requested an update from the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on its investigation into the persistent crisis surrounding the disbursement of social grants by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
Last year, the DA lodged a formal complaint with the Commission following a series of payment failures which left vulnerable social grant recipients in distress.
The latest payment failure, which has left 150 000 beneficiaries without their January payments, is not only an indictment against SASSA and Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu but should also inspire the SAHRC to conclude its investigation as a matter of urgency.
These perpetual payment failures erode South Africa’s poorest and most vulnerable citizens’ constitutional rights to human dignity, life, healthcare, food, water, and social security, as well as infringing on the rights of children as they are disproportionately affected and will suffer the most long-term consequences.