For 14 years, an elderly woman has relied on her SASSA old-age grant. She does not speak with anger or resentment. Instead, she expresses sincere gratitude for the support she receives.
However, fear shadows every payment day. That fear grows whenever she approaches an ATM or store payment point alone. She cannot manage the process without assistance.
Yet seeking help often comes at a painful cost. Each time she depends on strangers, she risks losing her money.
Vulnerable Beneficiaries Face Constant Exploitation
“When I ask the young ones to help me, I always get robbed,” she says, her voice steady but her words landing like an indictment. This is not an isolated experience.
Instead, it reflects a recurring reality for many elderly grant recipients. The problem unfolds openly in busy public spaces. It happens at ATMs, retail stores, and payment locations. These are places where older citizens should feel secure.
Instead, criminals target them because they need assistance. Across KwaZulu-Natal, similar stories continue to emerge. Many elderly beneficiaries struggle with modern payment systems.
As a result, thieves and fraudsters see easy opportunities. The very people seeking help often become victims.
Payment Changes Created New Challenges
She remembers a time when collecting grants felt safer. Community halls once served as payment points. Those venues offered familiarity, supervision, and trusted surroundings. As a result, collecting her grant was far less stressful.
“I wish SASSA could return to community halls,” she says. “I am struggling with the ATMs and the stores.”
Authorities introduced ATMs and retail payments to improve efficiency. The changes also reduced administrative costs. However, the new system created difficulties for many elderly recipients. For someone struggling with ATM screens, every transaction becomes challenging.
Trusting strangers often becomes the only option. Despite these hardships, she remains thankful for her grant. Four years ago, a payment issue occurred. After she reported it, SASSA resolved the problem.
She also recognises rising food prices. Nevertheless, she avoids complaining about her circumstances.
“I am grateful for what SASSA gives me,” she says.
Unfortunately, gratitude cannot prevent theft. It cannot protect her when strangers misuse her trust. For many South Africans, grant payments bring relief. For her, payment day brings anxiety and uncertainty. Before accessing her money, she must overcome several risks.
Confusion, physical vulnerability, and dishonest opportunists stand in her way. Importantly, she is not demanding larger grants. Nor is she seeking sympathy. She wants a safer payment process. She wants familiar surroundings and trusted assistance.
Most importantly, she wants to collect her grant without fear. That request is both reasonable and necessary.