Sassa says that there were two spaza shop groups that they were working with and they had to clear some requirements to ensure that they had legally registered South Africans that could be part of the spaza shop initiative to avoid any risk that would cause issues regarding compliance with requirements of the financial system.
The Agency said that the main aim of partnering with spaza shops was to ensure that beneficiaries of social grants could easily access payments at the local level.
This would prevent beneficiaries from travelling far to collect their grant payments.
Sassa beneficiaries have been encouraged to use their Sassa cards for purchases as it reduces the cost for both Postbank and Sassa. The use of the Sassa card also reduces the risk of beneficiaries being robbed because they carry around large amounts of cash.
In areas without Post Offices, beneficiaries are able to use alternative payment channels such as retailers, bank ATMs and mobile cash pay points.
On the day that their grants are available, beneficiaries are able to make use of the following pay points:
- ATMs
- Pick n Pay
- Shoprite
- U-Save
- Checkers
- Boxer
They can present their Sassa cards at pay points to either withdraw cash or use it to buy essentials.
Sassa has reminded beneficiaries that they do not need to withdraw their grant on the day it becomes available as the money will remain on the card until they decide to use it.
Originally posted on February 27, 2023 @ 9:16 am
