Campaign to identify bogus beneficiaries

Mayor David Mutavhatsindi was at the forefront of the campaign to pay a social grant to the right person, held at the Sinthumule sports grounds last Friday.

Members gathered for the re-registration programme of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Ravele. The district manager of Vhembe, Mr Azwihangwisi Magadagela, said Sinthumule/Kutama was one of the biggest regions in Vhembe and many people had many challenges.” Most people here are disadvantaged; they cannot get to our SASSA offices to update their details. We are here to give them the necessary services they need from us,” he added.

Mutavhatsindi said the program would help save money as some grants were paid to the wrong people or non-existent people. “We need the money to eliminate challenges faced by communities; challenges like poverty, unemployment and crime,” he added. He also condemned the rape of a seven-year-old girl from Olifantshoek, who had passed away in Elim Hospital the previous week. “Real men do not rape. The perpetrators need to end up in jail,” he said.

Thovhele-Khosi-Vho-Rudzani Sinthumule thanked Sassa for bringing their services closer to the people of Sinthumule, so that they know whom to consult with if they have problems. Sinthumule also said he was deeply hurt by the youth who were now turning into “baby-making machines at a young age to receive grants.”

He said he wished “the government would stop feeling sorry for the youth and only give grants to people who really deserve it, like our elderly people and all the needy, poor people,” he said.

He pleaded with the youth to focus on education, “as it is the key to unlock a brighter future" and also urged the parents to teach the children morals and values.

During the event, representatives of SASSA presented some 140 families with food parcels. People also applied for identity books and birth certificates and received new SASSA cards. Some also applied for social grants.

News - Date: 05 April 2013

Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

Email: [email protected]