“WE DON'T HAVE A CHOICE.”
During the first three months of lockdown, many elderly Khayelitsha recipients of South African social security agency (SASSA) grants, were forced to sleep outside the payment centre. It was the only way to secure a place in the queue. Only a small number of people were helped per day. People lined up for days, many without food. The Khayelitsha Community Action Network (Khayelitsha CAN) provided food and assisted grant applicants.
People say SASSA had then told applicants to make appointments to minimise queues. But in July SASSA had been closed for long periods because of flooding and COVID-positive staff cases. A film by Samuel Flans, Alfa Fiphaza, Luyanda Asiya and Abongile Njamela. Soundtrack by Samuel Flans / Innocent Muziq. In partnership with Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism.
