In a heartbreaking incident, an 85-year-old pensioner collapsed and died while waiting in a long queue for her South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) grant. The event occurred at Moutse Mall in Limpopo’s Sekhukhune district, sparking outrage and calls for change.
Mariah Mathabatha, from Ntwane village near Groblersdal, had multiple health issues. Despite her age and medical conditions, she was forced to stand in line for hours. Tragically, she collapsed before receiving her grant.
Long lines frustrate elderly people waiting for money. Broken computers and late payments make the problem worse.
Emergency Response Falls Short
Bystanders rushed Mathabatha to Philadelphia Hospital, about 10 kilometers away. Sadly, doctors pronounced her dead on arrival. Her niece, John Mathabatha, revealed this wasn’t the first time his aunt had collapsed due to her epilepsy.
Systemic Problems Plague SASSA
This incident highlights ongoing issues with Sassa’s grant distribution system:
Long wait times: Pensioners often endure hours in line
Technical glitches: Offline systems cause delays
Payment problems: Some cardholders face grant payment delays
Allegations of Staff Insensitivity
John Mathabatha claims Sassa employees showed little empathy. He stated, “My aunt told them she wasn’t feeling well, but they rudely told her to be patient.” This lack of consideration may have worsened an already dire situation.
SASSA Responds
Tebogo Tshipi, Sassa’s provincial spokesperson, called the death “heartbreaking” and “unfortunate.” He assured the public that Sassa is investigating the incident, stating, “We prioritize our beneficiaries and work hard to ensure easy grant access.”
Calls for Change
Seun Mogotji, leader of the Bolshevijk Party of South Africa, has been vocal about queue problems. He argues the old village paypoint system was more efficient:
Closer to pensioners’ homes
Walkable distances
Boosted local economies
Mogotji stressed, “Our government changed everything for unknown reasons. Now, pensioners with chronic illnesses stand in long lines. It’s impractical and dangerous.”
Rethinking Grant Distribution
Experts suggest several ways to improve the system:
Reintroduce local paypoints
Implement priority queues for elderly and disabled recipients
Increase staff training on sensitivity and emergency procedures
Improve technology to reduce system failures
Offer more payment options, like direct bank deposits
A Call to Action
This tragedy demands immediate attention from Sassa and government officials. Protecting vulnerable citizens must be a top priority. By learning from this incident and implementing thoughtful changes, South Africa can create a more compassionate and efficient grant distribution system.
The loss of Mariah Mathabatha serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of bureaucratic failings. Her story should inspire positive change, ensuring no other pensioner faces such hardship when simply trying to access their rightful benefits.
I’m Anele Zulu, a South African social worker dedicated to serving my country’s most vulnerable. With my degree and field expertise, I empower underprivileged communities through compassionate support and tireless advocacy on this website. My goal is simplifying access to services so families can uplift themselves
