Back on track

(13.8.04) Payments to social grant beneficiaries in the Western Cape took place without any interruptions today following yesterday’s delays due to threatened strike action by staff contracted to administer the payouts.

Negotiations with staff yesterday diffused the situation and business has resumed as usual at payment sites in the Peninsula.

Further discussions are underway to resolve staff concerns over working conditions.

AllPay, the company contracted to dispense the grants, apologised to the Department of Social Services and Poverty Alleviation and to social grant recipients, many of whom are disabled or elderly, for the inconveniences experienced yesterday.

Social grant recipients can rest assured that both AllPay and the department are working together to ensure reduced impact on services during unforeseen circumstances.

“Commitment to effective service delivery, compassion and dignity is core to AllPay’s offering. This is evident in the speed of actions taken to contain the situation,” says Andries de Jongh, operating manager, AllPay Western Cape. 

AllPay and the department have agreed on a common approach that will be followed dedicating resources to maintaining and exceeding service levels.