The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) have renewed their commitment to improving services for grant beneficiaries following their first formal meeting in more than a year.
The engagement focused on strengthening cooperation between the two organisations to ensure grant beneficiaries receive more efficient and accessible service delivery across the province.
Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt welcomed the appointment of the new SASSA Regional Executive Manager for the Western Cape, Lungelwa Sigasana Makaula.
“The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration to improve services for grant beneficiaries. We have agreed to meet quarterly to strengthen coordination and improve service delivery,” Londt said.
During the meeting, SASSA outlined several operational challenges and highlighted measures being introduced to improve the experience of grant recipients. These include expanding digital services, improving queue management, increasing outreach programmes and extending operating hours where necessary.
Londt said the Department of Social Development would support these initiatives wherever possible.
“SASSA outlined a number of operational challenges and measures it is implementing to improve the client experience, including expanding digital services, improved queue management, outreach programmes and extended operating hours where needed. DSD will support these efforts where possible,” he said.
Both organisations agreed that mutual respect, ongoing communication and collaboration are essential to ensuring residents remain at the centre of service delivery.
To strengthen coordination, DSD and SASSA will now hold quarterly meetings to monitor progress and address emerging challenges.
Londt also encouraged grant beneficiaries who require assistance to use SASSA’s official communication channels, including its toll-free helpline at 0800 60 10 11, for grant-related enquiries.
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