The Inkatha FreedomParty in KwaZulu-Natal questions the silence of the Social Development MEC, Weziwe Thusi regarding the uncertainty of social grant payments after the end of March 2017.
“Millions of KZN citizens are totally dependent on social grants from government to cater for their daily needs, but the MEC has not made any public statement to provide information to our citizens regarding what will happen come April. The MEC should have been in constant contact with the national minister and her Department in order to obtain information that could be passed on to our people. It is very disturbing and stressful for people who have no other source of income to be in such a position of uncertainty. It is unacceptable that we have to rely on media reports to obtain information on such a crucial matter that touches the lives of people across KwaZulu-Natal”, said IFP Spokesperson on Social Development, Mrs Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana MPL.
“It is highly unprofessional and irresponsible that the MEC did not see fit to brief the Portfolio Committee on Social Development in KZN on the latest developments regarding the future of grant payments. Pensioners who have serious health care needs and children living on foster care grants have been deeply stressed by the uncertainty around their grants after the end of this month as they depend on social security to cater for the essential needs. With no other source of income these vulnerable members of our community face a very bleak April. If the MEC saw fit to brief us, we would then be able to take information to our respective constituencies and give our people some assurance. We are very disappointed that the MEC has remained silent on this matter as though this is not something that concerns her or her department. As the political head of such a crucial department, MEC Thusi must be more forthcoming with information and be seen to be more hands-on with regards to such issues”, concluded Mrs Nkwanyana.
Issued by:
Mrs Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana MPL
IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Social Development
078 302 3991