Despite changes in the payment dates for SASSA recipients, long queues were spotted in Louis Trichardt on Monday.
At the Louis Trichardt Post Office, social distancing was observed at the beginning of the queue while members of the SAPS tried to enforce the distancing throughout the long queue.
"I had to leave Nzhelele early and arrived in town by 05:30, but look, I am very far from the entrance. I do not see any meaningful change in the system. When we used to get money by the end of the month, we used to queue like this," said the 79-year-old Andrie Mwira.
David Mbaduga from the Sinthumule area felt that those responsible for SASSA grants have no clue on how to shorten the queues for the beneficiaries. "I have been here since 07:00, but there is not much movement. I am not sure when I will be served. The responsible authorities just announced the change of dates on the radio without consulting us, the beneficiaries. We could give suggestions on how to improve the system," said Mbaduga (70) while also complaining that he would not be able to stand for a long time.
Ms Livhuwani Mavhandu, who had accompanied her mother, said the system introduced was good for her mother. "Before this new system was introduced, it used to be a big problem for my mother … I am happy even though there are a lot of people waiting for the grants. They are being well organised," said Mavhandu.
The MEC for Social Development, Nkakareng Rakgoale, urged beneficiaries earlier this week to practise social distancing.