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The Western Cape government has asked the SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) to reopen some of its offices after the food protests in Cape Town this week, along with 14,500 calls to its own line for help from hungry people during closure.
“With the expansion or extension of an additional two weeks of closure, we are beginning to see pressures now specifically around nutrition,” said Western Cape Prime Minister Alan Winde.
Around 8,000 non-governmental organizations, small and large private sector operations, municipalities and local and national government departments are working together, but more help is needed.
The protests over the food in Mitchells Plain, and the scenes of some looted stores, have raised the alarm about whether people will be able to sustain themselves during the entire closure.
READ | Additional R53m reserved by the government of WC for food relief during closure
Sassa closed its offices during the closing period, according to instructions to cut down on public meetings, but this has left many people needing to sign up for help fighting to get to the call centers.
“Now you can see that it’s starting to hit a pressure point,” Winde said of the shutdown, which has left many people unable to work and without an income.
Groceries touched in stores during a looting outbreak in Cape Town. (Jenni Evans / News24)
Subsidies
Winde said the government is currently mapping people who are not part of the 1.6 million already receiving Sassa grants and who need help.
READ | Multiple stores looted in Cape Town suburbs
Winde warned that the next few weeks will be crucial to preventing the spread of the virus and that people should stay indoors.
The provincial government will also examine callers to ensure there is no “double dip” of funds available for food packages and other assistance.
How to apply for help
According to the province’s social development department, these are the numbers you should call in the Western Cape to be considered for assistance: 0800 220 250 for requests related to food packages; 0860 142 142 for shared calls between 07:00 and 16:00 (Monday to Friday); send a Please call me on 079 769 1207; or send an email to [email protected].
Requests sent through a call center, city manager, humanitarian aid agency, or registered nonprofit organization are sent to department workers.
This information is added to a central regional database, followed by a telephone assessment conducted by a social worker, and examination of the person’s identity against the Sassa database to verify whether the person is an existing grant or recipient of foods.
READ | Looting in Cape Town: ‘People are looking for food’
Once it is confirmed that a potential beneficiary meets the criteria, the department contacts them and provides them with details on when the delivery will take place.
“This process is followed to ensure that the most vulnerable can receive this limited resource.”
Winde said there are other aid programs in addition to food packages. One is the support business website, which contains links for assistance.
See the full report from the Western Cape government:
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