Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement prohibiting gatherings of more than 100 people during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has urged beneficiaries to not collect their grants on the first day of payment, owing to the high pedestrian traffic at shopping malls.

Sassa offices will remain open during the Covid-19 pandemic and the organisation has announced safety measures to ensure continued service.

“Once Sassa has paid money into a beneficiary’s account the money will stay there and can be accessed at any day of the month instead of taking a health risk of visiting an outlet on the first day of the month,” Sassa advised.

The social grant agency and the South African Post Office (Sapo) will ensure that the number of clients being serviced at a time does not exceed 100 people, and will give priority to the elderly, frail, people with disabilities, mothers with children and pregnant women.

All Sassa staff dealing directly with clients will be supplied with all the necessary protective kits to ensure that their health is safeguarded.

In trying to minimise the spread of the Coronavirus, Sassa has suspended with immediate effect all home, clinic and hospital visits by its officials, as well as all Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programmes as most of its outreach programmes are usually attended by more than 100 people, including children and the elderly.

Beneficiaries over 75 years of age or bedridden can complete the application process through a procurator or proxy, who will be allowed to apply on behalf of the affected client.

“The chosen procurator must be appointed in writing and produce that letter together with all their documents including identity card so that the application can be processed. The application will follow normal process,” said Sassa.

All Sassa clients are advised to call Sassa or Sapo on their respective toll-free contact numbers for simple queries or to use social media platforms. Sassa – 0800 601 011, Sapo – 0860 111 502.

Sassa called for a change of behaviour among all South Africans and urged everyone to practice personal hygiene.

“Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitisers for at least 20  seconds. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or flexed elbow. Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms,” Sassa advised.