Minister Lindiwe Zulu’s briefing summary:  

Minister Lindiwe Zulu promised on Monday to “tighten the screws” on the distribution of food and social grants as the country deals with the coronavirus outbreak.   Zulu said that temporary grants would be extended until the end of October and advised people to apply for social assistance.  

Sassa CEO Busisiwe Memela – Khambula said that 30% of the organisation’s workforce would return to work and warned that only those who qualify should apply for the additional grants.  

People who received other grants, UIF, or student aid do not qualify, she said, adding that applications would be checked against government databases to prevent fraud.  

“I know that our people like to take chances,” said Memela – Khambula.   Applicants will be required to submit ID number, name and surname as captured on ID, gender and disability, banking details, cellphone number, and while no proof of residential address is required a residential address is required.  

Of the 91 000 people who applied via WhatsApp, 11 000 were already on social grants and of 250 000 who applied via email, 50% were already receiving social grants.  

Zulu said that 525 029 food parcels have been distributed so far.