SASSA reminded parents and guardians who abuse the grant that they are violating a child’s rights.
“Any departure from the purpose of supporting the needs of the child under the Welfare Act will be viewed as abuse or neglect of the child and will be classified as a criminal offense that is punishable by law,” the agency warned.
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She urged those who have witnessed grant abuse not to remain silent – be it within families or in communities.
“Starving a child because of the social needs of their parents or guardians is devastating to the future of the country.”
In addition, SASSA said that a person who takes care of a child on a daily basis must receive the grant payment.
“If the grant is received by the parent who does not stay with a child and does not transfer the money to the caregiver, that person must be reported to the SASSA offices and also initiate criminal proceedings with the local police station.”
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The requirements for a maintenance allowance include that the person responsible for the child is a South African citizen or permanent resident, receives less than R 4,000 per month and receives a total salary of R 8,000 per month if they marry.
The child must be under the age of 18, not in the care of any government agency, and live with the primary caregiver in South Africa who we did not pay to look after the child, SASSA explained.
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