Kwa-Thema – Ward 77 hosted a pensioners programme at Kwa-Thema Old Age Home on Thursday. Muzi Maseko of the SASSA Kwa-Thema office encouraged pensioners to be careful, especially during the festive season.
“We get recurring complaints. Please refrain from standing in line from very early in the morning, because that is not safe. Also, do not accept any help from strangers,” he said.
He appealed to them to withdraw their grants from stores that offer cashback instead. Maseko warned about scammers claiming to sell SASSA insurance.
“There is no such thing as SASSA insurance. SASSA officials do not come to people’s houses to sign any documents.
“And remember, once you make certain agreements with those organisations, we at SASSA cannot undo them,” he added.
Job Molantoa explains how residents can benefit from the city’s indigent support programme. PHOTO CRED: Xoliswa Kali
He said that many pensioners are stuck with stop orders on their accounts from such dealings. He also warned them against signing up for anything on social media.
“Anytime you hear of any benefits, approach the office and ask us,” he said.
Maseko mentioned that SASSA is moving towards a paperless system and that beneficiaries should get accustomed to the official SASSA website.
“You can make applications on the website, and get more information about certain benefits,” he explained.Job Molantoa from Kwa-Thema CCC urged pensioners to make good use of their municipal benefits.
“There is indigent, and deemed indigent. The most important thing to understand about your indigent status is that it has to be renewed every three years.
Clr Thulani Dunjana pledges continued community engagement for senior citizens. PHOTO CRED: Xoliswa Kali
“Indigent is not just for pensioners, but for households that have a combined income of less than R9 673,44,” he explained.
Being deemed indigent is automatic for properties valued at R600 000 and less. These households receive six kiloliters of water and sewerage service for free, among other benefits.
Molantoa urged those in attendance to approach the CCC with their statements of municipal rates, ID and proof of grant from SASSA, if they receive any.
Ward 77 Clr Thulani Dunjana assured the community that the committee will continue to organise such platforms to educate the public.
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Muzi Maseko of SASSA Kwa-Thema office shares safety tips to help protect seniors from fraud. PHOTO CRED: Xoliswa Kali
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