The SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) and department of social development have disbursed relief of distress grants to more than 3,000 people affected by floods that ravaged parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal earlier this month.
This is according to health minister Joe Phaahla who spoke during a social protection, community and human development ministerial cluster briefing on Thursday.
Phaahla said an estimated R5m has been disbursed by Sassa so far.
The department, Sassa and other stakeholders have also spent R370,000 on school uniforms which have been donated to pupils who lost their belongings during the floods to help ensure a smooth return to schooling.
Here's how much has been paid out to flood victims in social relief of distress grants so far
Image: SA government via Twitter
The SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) and department of social development have disbursed relief of distress grants to more than 3,000 people affected by floods that ravaged parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal earlier this month.
This is according to health minister Joe Phaahla who spoke during a social protection, community and human development ministerial cluster briefing on Thursday.
Phaahla said an estimated R5m has been disbursed by Sassa so far.
The department, Sassa and other stakeholders have also spent R370,000 on school uniforms which have been donated to pupils who lost their belongings during the floods to help ensure a smooth return to schooling.
Education department wants KZN principals to accept pupils at schools with or without uniforms
Victims, some of whom are being temporarily housed in community halls, are also receiving psychosocial support for families whose homes were washed away and who lost loved ones.
“Social workers have already reached almost 15,000 people to provide support services,” said Phaahla.
LISTEN | Funds for KZN floods will be audited in real time, Ramaphosa tells parliament
The government has also received donations from citizens and non-governmental organisations for relief efforts.
“Some of these goods have been stored in the Pietermaritzburg area and some in eThekwini. Many organisations, church members and communities have also answered the call and provided support in a variety of forms, including finance, food and sanitary products. The government has also received pledges and material assistance from embassies of various countries,” said Phaahla.
More than 2,000 people were affected in the Alfred Nzo and OR Tambo districts in the Eastern Cape.
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
MORE:
RECORDED | Health minister provides update on Covid-19 and vaccine rollout
R190m bill to repair KZN hospitals and clinics damaged by floods: Phaahla
RATE IT | Unemployment, land & governance: five talking points from Malema's Freedom Day speech
DA says people should still get the R350 grant without having to reapply
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
News and promos in your inbox
subscribeMost read
Latest Videos