Banks will be stepping in to help SASSA beneficiaries in areas affected by looting incidents.

The Banking Association of South Africa revealed that over 1 400 ATMs and 269 bank branches were vandalised during the unrest in July. The unrest affected many SASSA beneficiaries who were unable to make cash withdrawals after Cash In Transit (CIT) services were suspended. 

Of these ATMs, 565 were located in Gauteng while 650 were located in KwaZulu Natal. In addition to this, 126 vandalised bank branches were based in Gauteng while 140 were based in KZN.

The Banking Association has given assurance that there is no shortage of cash in affected areas, and it will be working with SASSA to ensure that grant payments are made. 

“Banks, retailers and the South African Post Office (SAPO) are working with the SASSA to ensure that there are cash and grant pay points within a reasonable distance of SASSA beneficiaries in the areas where banking, SAPO and retail infrastructure has been destroyed.

“To assist social grant recipients who live in areas where ATMs, and branches have been destroyed, customers will be able to use any ATM, including those not operated by their own bank, without incurring additional charges, from 01 August 2021 to 30 September 2021.”

SASSA has welcomed this decision, as grant beneficiaries will soon be withdrawing their payments in August on the following dates:

• Older persons grant – 3 August 2021
• Disability grant – 4 August 2021
• Child Support – 5 August 2021
• Foster child & care dependency – 5 August 2021

The SASSA KwaZulu Natal Paypoint Payment dates are as follows:

Durban – 6 – 12 August 2021

Pietermaritzburg – 6 – 16 August 2021

Midlands – 6 – 17 August 2021

Ulundi – 6 – 18 August 2021