Seeing the vulnerable elderly standing in the cold and rain at the Vredenburg Sassa offices is very concerning for many.
Sammy Springleer, a resident of Vredenburg, recently accompanied an elderly person to the Sassa office around 06:00. On his arrival, there were already around 50 to 60 people waiting in the cold, many of them in their 70s and 80s.
Springleer said by 09:00 the number had grown to well over 200, most of whom were there to query the suspension of their old-age grants. “What was most distressing was that there was no proper shelter for people waiting outside,” he added. “A few plastic chairs had been provided, but no covering from the elements. Later, when it started to rain, these vulnerable people were left to sit in the open, wet, cold, and helpless. Surely, this is not the kind of treatment our elderly citizens deserve? It is not the first time something like this has happened, and it will not be the last unless action is taken.”
Thirston Williams, another resident from Vredenburg, who also has a grandfather who is a Sassa beneficiary, said he witnessed people standing in such harsh conditions regularly. “I will never let my grandfather stand there. I would rather pay someone to let me know how far the line is before I bring him. I will not let him stand in the cold.” He believed the issue did not only lie with Sassa; it reflected a wider lack of political will to prioritise the needs of the elderly and more vulnerable in society, which explained the obliviousness to the needs of those who stand in the long lines at Sassa offices. He said a great responsibility towards the elderly lay in wait because of the sacrifices and the parts they have played in the country they served.
Another resident said there was no other way her mother could get her income, except by standing in the heavy rains that assailed the country over the past few weeks.
“I have no other means of transport or ways to make alternative arrangements. It is difficult to see that those who just want to survive have to struggle for what is due to them.” Springleer urges Sassa to erect a proper covered waiting area, provide more communication about grant suspensions to avoid panic and large crowds, and work with traffic and law enforcement to ensure fair parking time for those assisting elderly citizens. “Many of these people are already struggling financially, and now they are being forced to wait in the rain and risk fines just to access help. We must do better.” Shivani Wahab, spokesperson for Sassa, said she needed more time to comment.
