Discussion | SASSA warns of 'free food parcel' scam

A disturbing trend is emerging across South Africa, with elderly social grant beneficiaries reporting that they were tricked into signing up for funeral policies after being promised free food parcels by individuals claiming to be linked to SASSA.

The deductions, ranging between R190 and R240 a month, have left some pensioners losing thousands of rands from grants they depend on for survival.

SASSA says it has received at least 124 disputes involving policy deductions since July, while parliamentary figures show that more than R143 million is deducted from the grants of 1.2 million beneficiaries every month for insurance premiums.

Questions are now being asked about consumer protection, oversight and whether vulnerable pensioners are being adequately protected from exploitation.

To discuss this, we are joined by Dr Paseka Letsatsi, SASSA Spokesperson, and social grants activist Israel Nkuna.

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