OR Tambo District: The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Chief Executive Officer, Themba Matlou, has pledged maximum support to the families affected by the floods that have claimed 57 lives in the OR Tambo District, Eastern Cape.
According to South African Government News Agency, SASSA has acted swiftly through its Social Relief of Distress programme to assist families whose homes were severely affected. The agency is active at three established sites, serving around 229 people with three meals a day, providing 229 vanity packs, and five baby packs for personal and infant care needs.
SASSA has also developed a Disengagement Plan for the transition phase, equipping beneficiaries with resources to support reintegration. The package includes two-ply blankets, one mattress per individual, cash vouchers for short-term financial needs, and school uniforms for affected learners. Additionally, two vouchers will be provided to grieving families to address immediate needs.
Matlou emphasized SASSA’s mandate, derived from the Social Assistance Act, to offer assistance to affected families. He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. Matlou highlighted the agency’s collaboration with stakeholders to ensure maximum support for distressed families and extended gratitude to partners and community members supporting this effort.