Sassa Does Not Answer Their Phone. Why… SASSA, the South African Social Security Agency, is under fire for its apparent lack of accessibility via phone lines, leaving millions of beneficiaries struggling to connect. The Democratic Alliance has raised concerns, highlighting the significant difficulties encountered when attempting to reach SASSA offices nationwide.
SASSA Phone Lines
The Democratic Alliance conducted a comprehensive study, attempting to contact 212 random SASSA offices across the country. Shockingly, only 48 had working landline numbers. Even more alarming, a mere nine offices (4.7% of the total) managed to answer their phones. This deficiency in telephonic accessibility has sparked widespread criticism.
Beneficiaries Left in the Lurch
Shadow Minister of Social Development, Bridget Masango, expressed concern about the impact on grant recipients. With limited phone access, beneficiaries find themselves helpless when facing queries or concerns, exemplified by the September grant payment issues that affected 600,000 elderly grant recipients. Masango emphasizes the urgency of addressing this communication breakdown.
Outdated or Missing Numbers
Masango revealed that a staggering 164 SASSA offices either had outdated numbers or lacked landline numbers altogether. This revelation raises questions about the accuracy and reliability of the agency’s contact information, leaving beneficiaries in a precarious position.
Testing SASSA National Hotline
The Democratic Alliance took it a step further by testing the SASSA national hotline and provincial head offices. Shockingly, only KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo offices managed to answer the calls. This limited responsiveness adds another layer to the challenges faced by beneficiaries seeking assistance.
DA Call for Accountability
Bridget Masango has called for accountability from Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu, highlighting that substantial investments were made in the agency’s call center during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. The apparent lack of improvement in telephonic accessibility despite these investments raises concerns about the effectiveness of the measures taken.
Conclusion
The difficulties faced by beneficiaries in reaching SASSA via phone are a cause for concern, especially considering the crucial role the agency plays in the lives of millions. As the Democratic Alliance pushes for accountability, the spotlight is on SASSA to address and rectify the challenges faced by those who depend on its services. The question remains: will the agency take swift action to improve its telephonic accessibility and ensure that beneficiaries can access the information they need in a timely manner?