​Lerato Mailoane
The South African Social Security Agency's (SASSA) cash pay points have been suspended until further notice due to the current violence, currently hitting townships.
In a statement, SASSA said cash-in-transit companies will not be providing any cash delivery services to pay points in the country.
SASSA said the decision will go a long way in protecting beneficiaries as well as their staff.
SASSA CEO, Totsie Memela, has requested recipients not to panic and stay safe until further notice.
"Beneficiaries are urged to remain calm and await communication as to when the payment at pay points will resume."
SASSA started with its monthly payments last week on the 6th for older persons, followed by disability grants on the 7th. From 8 July 2021 all other grants payments were made.
The cash pay points started paying out grants on Monday, 12 July and unfortunately had to be closed in fear of the violence looting in most townships.
The agency said beneficiaries are reminded that their cards can be used to purchase goods, receive cash from merchants or ATMs.  
"However, beneficiaries are urged to ensure that it is safe for them to frequent any of these alternative facilities and to follow the COVID-19 protocols at all times."
"We have to protect our beneficiaries as they might be caught up in the crossfire especially those in high-risk areas. Payments will be made as soon as the situation is calm and it is safe," said Memela.
Memela added that SASSA has to be careful, as they have noticed increased numbers of heists against the Post Office and cash-in-transit vehicles in the past months.