This, after MEC Mamiki Qabathe embarked on various Social Grant Paypoints to monitor the compliance with the regulations of the lockdown. Twin City Mall, Limo Mall and the Post Office in Rocklands in the Mangaung region were amongst some of the areas she visited as those are the areas where there usually are large gatherings of beneficiaries. The Department has further expressed concern that in some cases the neccessary distance between people was not adhered to. Qabathe has, however, welcomed measures taken by the various malls in improving distance adherence, in limiting the number of people that can enter shops at a single time, and hygiene measures put in place. While the shortage of cash at several Sassa paypoints has made news countrywide, the department in a statement says measures are being taken to resolve the challenge. 

Sassa is providing early payment of social grants for the month of April by two days in an effort to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Social Development Minister, Lindiwe Zulu, has urged all Sassa beneficiaries to maintain social distancing.

Qabathe, on the other hand, has vowed to continue monitoring paypoints in other districts throughout the week.

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