- Severe weather in Western Cape forces SASSA to close all offices in the province.
- Closure aims to protect SASSA beneficiaries and staff.
- Operations expected to resume tomorrow, weather permitting.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) announced the closure of all its offices in Cape Town on Thursday, 11 July 2024.
SASSA Cape Town offices closed on Thursday, 11 July 2024
The social grant agency explained in a statement that the decision was made to ensure the safety of both SASSA beneficiaries and staff amid the ongoing severe weather conditions in the region.
SASSA communications director Shivani Wahab stated:
“This was done in the best interests of both SASSA beneficiaries and staff.”
The agency expects to resume normal operations tomorrow, weather permitting.
The Western Cape has been experiencing extreme weather, with heavy rainfall and strong winds causing widespread disruptions.
The South African Weather Service has issued warnings for flooding and potential mudslides, particularly in the City of Cape Town, Drakenstein, and Stellenbosch municipalities.
As a result, many public services, including SASSA offices, have been affected.
Different ways to collect SASSA cash
Despite the temporary closure of SASSA offices, beneficiaries have several alternative methods to collect their grants.
These methods are designed to provide flexibility and ensure that beneficiaries can access their funds even when offices are closed.
- Post Office Branches (SAPO/Post Bank) Beneficiaries without bank accounts or who prefer collecting cash in person can visit any South African Post Office (SAPO) branch or Post Bank outlet. A SASSA card and a valid ID document are required for collection. However, this method might involve waiting times, especially during peak periods.
- Bank Mobile Money Transfer For those with a registered bank account offering mobile money transfer capabilities, grants can be received directly on their phones. The specific process varies by bank but generally involves using a USSD code or mobile banking app. It’s important to ensure that the phone number linked to the bank account matches the one registered with SASSA.
- Boxer Stores Similar to Pick n Pay, grants can be collected in cash at selected Boxer stores nationwide. Beneficiaries will receive a unique code via SMS, which they need to present along with their ID at the chosen Boxer store to collect their grant.
- Pick N Pay Stores Beneficiaries without bank accounts can collect their grants in cash at designated Pick N Pay stores. After selecting this option, they will receive an SMS with a unique code. They need to present this code along with their ID at the store to collect their grant.
- Cash Send Cash Send allows beneficiaries to collect their grants in cash at participating Pick n Pay, Boxer, or Post Office branches without needing a bank account. Beneficiaries choose this payment method during the application process or by updating their details on the SASSA website. They will receive a unique code via SMS to collect their grant.
- SASSA Bank Account Receiving grants directly into a South African bank account is considered the most convenient and secure option. This method avoids the need to visit collection points and ensures faster access to funds once deposited. Beneficiaries can choose this option during the initial application process or by updating their details on the SASSA website.
