Social Development to brief the Media on Amendments to the Social Assistance Act

The Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini will on Tuesday, November 01, brief members of the media on the proposed amendments to the Social Assistance Act.

In September, Cabinet reviewed a proposal from the Department of Social Development for Amendments of the Social Assistance Act and approved for amendments to be released for public comment.

Amongst others; the following amendments will be gazetted for public comments:

Introduction of a Supplementary Benefits Fund for government to provide additional benefits such as funeral benefits and any other benefits linked to a social grant beneficiary, based on needs.

Increasing the value of Child Support Grant (CSG) for orphans and children living in child-headed households (CHH)

Removal of internal mechanisms within SASSA which would allow the applicant or the beneficiary to appeal directly to the Independent Tribunal should they disagree with the decision of SASSA regarding a grant application or review.

The current appeals process in the Social Assistance Act provides for an administrative review of the decision within SASSA. This is causing unnecessary delays in accessing the right to appeal in relation to social grants and delays access to administrative justice.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the media briefing arranged as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 01 November 2016

Time: 11h00

Venue: GCIS Imbizo Media Centre – Parliament, 120 Plein Street in Cape Town

NB: There will be a video link at 1035 Tshedimosetso House - Cnr Frances Baard and Festival streets in Hatfield – Pretoria

RSVPs: Mr Jaconia Kobue - 073 026 1111 /[email protected] or Mr Justice Ditshego on 079 4977 426 / [email protected]