The South African Post Office (Sapo) has informed the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) that it has a system in place to take over the payment of social grants.
The Constitutional Court has told Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini that the services of Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) must come to an end.
However, earlier on Thursday, Eyewitness News learned that Sassa could be summoned to appear before Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Social Development.
Sassa communications head Paseka Letsatsi says there have been delays because the organisation had to ensure certain internal processes were satisfied, specifically supply chain management processes.
We learned in 2010 that people get into contracts without reading them fully. We wanted to make sure everything is on board and that when we sign this contract, it is watertight.
— Paseka Letsatsi, Head of Communications at Sassa
We report to the ConCourt every three months and if there are delays, we need to let them know.
— Paseka Letsatsi, Head of Communications at Sassa
Sassa officials failed to pitch for two meetings at Parliament on Wednesday.
Letsatsi explains that a letter was sent to Parliament, seeking a postponement, in order to tie up any legal issues between Sassa and Sapo.
I can tell you, next year in April all Sassa beneficiaries will be paid.
— Paseka Letsatsi, Head of Communications at Sassa
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This article first appeared on 702 : SA Post Office ready to take over Sassa grant payments