Maimane's spokesperson, Mabine Seabe says: “We feel that as a political party represented in Parliament, we have got vested interest in this matter as well as ensuring that the people of South Africa receive the services of government. Furthermore, we are seeking a declaratory order form the constitutional court stating that Minister Bathabile Dlamini has violated her oath of office and also that SASSA and the Minister have failed in their constitutional obligation.”

President Zuma today sought to reassure grant recipients that they will be paid on April the1st. He also backed his much-criticised Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini.

Dlamini and South Africa Social Security Agency are in the midst of the fiasco which could leave 17 million people financially bereft at the end of March.


The South African Human Rights Commission has also requested an urgent meeting with Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini and SASSA CEO Thokozani Magwaza.

The commission says it requires a detailed brief from the two parties on the plan of action to ensure that social grant recipients receive their grants in April. The Social Security Agency's current contract with Cash Paymaster Services expires at the end of the month.

Human Rights Commission Spokesperson, Gail Smith says, "This current crisis is exceedingly concerning to us as a commission because of the devastating impact that it would have not just on 17 million people but 17 million households. We can't prejudge, we sent the letter on Wednesday and we have confirmation that it's been received, but we want to have an open mind and hope for the best. Because the consequences are devastating and so we want to stay positive and hopeful that they do have a plan. We've had confirmation of the receipt of our letter but we haven't had a response from them yet."

Post Office ready to step in

The Post Office says it is available to step in when the social grant contract expires on March 31. CEO Mark Barnes says they have the capacity to provide the embattled SASSA an interim solution when the contract with Cash PayMaster Services ends. Barnes says they already have some systems they use.

"The PO can be part of the interim solution the contract should be with the post office which is the national paymaster of the country. Within the period of three to six months we can tie up with technology partners whom we have engaged with already who have systems as good as and better than the incumbent. This contract belongs with the Post office we can find an interim solution."

The  Social Development Department says SASSA's long-term plan is to take over the distribution of social grants itself. This as the Social Security Agency approaches the Constitutional Court to extend Cash Paymster Services' contract, which was found to be invalid in 2014.

Source: SABC