RECENTLY, Sassa has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
From delayed funds release, reports of millions paid to deceased beneficiaries, and rumours suggesting that the ANC might take Sassa with them if they lose the elections.
These issues have led to a decline in trust among elderly citizens, and the sentiments are also shared by iconic and veterans within the cultural space.
Prominent figure in the arts and film industry, Dr John Kani expressed concerns that some struggle icons within the cultural space should not die depending on Sassa.
As veterans of the cultural struggle, Kani suggested that there should be a structure that will ensure that they are taken care of.
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“We want them to be able to say ‘I won’t go to Sassa. I have my veteran's pension or contribution to look after my family'. That is within the writers, the musicians, the photographers, the journalists all in the arts constituency especially those who worked during the apartheid,” said Kani.
He said this during the funeral of the late veteran photojournalist and icon Dr Peter Magubane on Wednesday, 10 January.
He argued that as part of the cultural structures they fought, gave up, and yet they now die as paupers and this needs to change.
Pointing at veteran journalists and photographers who attended the funeral, Kani said: “We need to look after them. They cannot depend on Sassa and R350. We owe them more," placing the responsibility on the President Cyril Ramaphosa and Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa.
But former SABC board member and veteran journalist Mathatha Tsedu argued otherwise.
He believes that it is the duty of artists, both legends and those currently active, to create a support system for veterans.
Meanwhile, with the ongoing scandals involving improper payments to deceased beneficiaries, Sassa said it's keeping an eye records to combat corruption.
The agency has since indicated that every month between 22 and 23 they run tests to determine if the beneficiaries are still alive or dead by comparing Sassa extracts payment beneficiary details with Home Affairs to avoid premature payment.
