Residents of Soshanguve experienced significant relief when the City of Tshwane collaborated with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to help manage household debt.
On April 15th, a campaign was held at Redibone Primary School, which later moved to the Municipality offices in Block F. The campaign aimed to register residents and their households’ information to reduce government debts based on their monthly income.
This initiative brought together stakeholders, including SASSA, and the City of Tshwane, who provided support and information necessary for the campaign’s success. The primary goal was to register qualifying Soshanguve residents, particularly elderly individuals receiving social grants and married couples with household incomes below R5,000 per month. By registering, they could access municipal services, including 12 kiloliters of water and 100 kWh of electricity per month at no cost, while also addressing previous or pending debts.
Mrs Grace Morudu, the SASSA coordinator, expressed satisfaction with the program’s success. Her team provided confirmation letters to beneficiaries to verify their status as grant recipients and approved proof of payment for further verification inquiries.
Local residents lined up to receive assistance from officials who ensured that all procedures were followed safely and legally. Christina Khosa, a resident of Soshanguve Block F, expressed relief after participating in the campaign, stating she had been burdened by significant household debt before the initiative.
Andrew Swarahla, a proud community leader, expressed his happiness about the campaign. He noted that he had witnessed many residents’ struggles throughout his years. Despite facing various challenges in gathering the necessary documents and encouraging family participation, he felt well-prepared for the task.
The City of Tshwane has established multiple intake offices across the region, including Atteridgeville, Mamelodi, Temba, Hammanskraal, Soshanguve, Ga-Rankuwa, Mabopane, Bronkhorstspruit, Ekangala, and Laudium. Social workers and officials are available to assist residents during the week, encouraging eligible individuals to apply and register for support.
