Bathabile Dlamini apologises to grants recipients
Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini has apologised to grant recipients.
Dlamini’s apology follows the Constitutional Court judgement, which extended the contract between Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) for a further 12 months.
“The minister wants to apologise to social grant beneficiaries, who have endured a lot of anxiety and fear over the past few weeks. Now we will ensure we comply with the court order,” said Dlamini’s spokesperson Lumka Oliphant.
Oliphant said they always believed that the highest court in the land is best-placed to deal with the matter.
Earlier, the court granted the application by non-governmental organisation Black Sash.
“SASSA and CPS should continue to fulfil their respective constitutional obligations in the payment of social grants for a period of 12 months, as an extension of the current contract. To the extent necessary, our earlier declaration of invalidity of that contract must be further extended. In the event that CPS wishes to alter the content of its financial obligations, the order makes provision for it to approach National Treasury for its consideration and approval," said Justice Coenraad Froneman.
Froneman also said the court has also ordered Dlamini to show why she shouldn't be held personally liable for expenses incurred in the Constitutional Court application.