Investigation confirms claims of weaknesses in SRD grant application process

An investigation has confirmed allegations made by two first-year IT students on the weaknesses in the social relief of distress (SRD) grant application process. First-year students Joel Cedras and Veer Gosai uncovered major flaws in the R370 social relief of distress grant system run by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). The two students presented their findings to the social development portfolio committee before the department undertook to investigate and report back in 30 days.The report has now recommended an overhaul of the system to make it safer. Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe returned to the committee on to present the findings of an independent investigation into the fraudulent applications. Phemelo speaks to the Portfolio Chairperson on Social Development, Bridget Masango.