Cape Town — Hundreds of elderly citizens are still in anticipation of receiving their SASSA grant payments and pensions, which have remained unpaid since September 5.
Reportedly, the delayed payouts are attributed to a technical malfunction within the system, leaving numerous individuals without access to their pension and financial assistance.
This issue stemmed from a software glitch utilised by Postbank for grant disbursements.
The problematic software, known as the “payment switch,” is instrumental in facilitating Postbank’s connection to the BankServ Africa platform, thereby enabling the processing of transactions via the Integrated Grant Payment System (IGPS).
Unfortunately, this glitch has adversely impacted the lives of more than 6 million people.
eNCA reports that while those in positions of authority engage in disputes over accountability for the payment delay, many citizens are enduring hardship, hunger, and accumulating further debt, as these grants constitute their sole source of income.
“We are hungry and we don’t have any food. So for me, the way forward, for how long must I be without money and without food in my house?” one woman said.
“I’m sick, and I haven’t got food. I must pay my electricity, there’s nothing.”
More people are left in further trouble the longer they wait, with some people going to ATMs to try and get some money to last them a few days.
Mondli Gungubele, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, announced this week that Postbank’s Board of Directors has been fired over unlawful contracts and the company has been placed under administration
Gungubele said that an administrator has been appointed, pending the appointment of a new board.
Postbank CEO Ntomboxolo Nikki Mbengashe apologised for the failure to pay the beneficiary grants timeously.
“Things like this do happen. I cannot stand here, with an understanding of technology, and say that 100% something like this will never happen again.”
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
