Sassa beneficiaries left in the cold as SAPO falls?

The South African Government released a statement stating that the South African Post Office will go under liquidation. This leaves Sassa beneficiaries out as they get their payouts at the post office.

Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Mondli Gungubele has confirmed the concerns over reports that the SAPO is facing provisional liquidation.

The minister requested that the Board and Management of SAPO provide him with a detailed account of the circumstances that led to this development, the steps taken by the Board to address the issue, and the measures that SAPO intends to implement the solution.

“Gungubele emphasized the importance of SAPO as a crucial government service platform which caters to millions of citizens and cannot afford to cease its operations.”

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Business Day stated that in the post office’s most recent financial statements for 2021/2022 to end-March 2022, it owed more than R4.4 billion rands to creditors and its debt exceeded its assets by R4 billion rands.

“Gubungele requested that the SAPO Board Chair and GCEO provide a detailed briefing on all litigations and debts currently facing the organization. Following a thorough study of this information, the Minister plans to engage the appropriate structures and ultimately provide feedback,” reads the statement.

ALSO READ: Need to renew your SASSA gold card? Switch to Shoprite’s Money Market Account for free

Shoprite to take over Sassa beneficiaries

Shoprite will however come through for the Sassa beneficiaries as they have stated that they can open the Shoprite Money Market Account to get their payments.

“Shoprite aims to be a one-stop shop for its customers. The retailer has been assisting SASSA with grant payouts since 2012 and is well equipped to do so with over 25 000 till points across more than 2 500 Shoprite, Checkers and Usave stores nationwide.

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“By switching their SASSA payments – free of charge – to a Money Market Account, customers can receive their grants, pay their bills, buy airtime, data, electricity and much more all from their mobile phones, said Jean Olivier General Manager of the Financial Services at Shoprite Group.

The grant holders can open their accounts in four east steps:

1. Register: 

• Dial *120*3534# OR 

• WhatsApp 087 240 5709 OR 

• visit the in-store Money Market counter OR 

• download the Shoprite app.

ALSO READ: SASSA grants: Will the Post Office liquidation affect payments?

2. Sign in & download your Bank Confirmation Letter.

3. Download the SASSA form here or collect one at the Money Market counter in any Shoprite or Checkers supermarket.

4. Take your printed Bank Confirmation Letter, completed SASSA switch form and original ID to your nearest SASSA office.

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