From Allafrica · · 1m
South Africa shuts fake grant claims
Sassa denies social grants for undocumented foreigners after violent protests.
In brief
Sassa denies social grants for undocumented foreigners after violent protests. South Africa's Sassa agency confirms only 1,815 refugees receive social grants, shutting down false claims that undocumented foreigners get government money. Originally reported by Allafrica.
Sassa shuts fake claims
South Africa's Sassa agency says only 1,815 refugees get social grants, not the numbers shared on social media.
“Only 1,815 refugees receive social grants, not the numbers circulating on social media”
Violent protests linked to fake claims
Police say fake claims about undocumented foreigners getting government money caused violent protests in Soweto and Durban this month.
“Police say rumours about undocumented foreign nationals getting government money caused the violent protests in Soweto and Durban this month”
Sassa verification system
Sassa removes anyone whose status cannot be verified within six months, and grants are not permanent.
“The Sassa verification system removes anyone whose status cannot be verified within six months”
Constitutional Court ruling
A Constitutional Court ruling on 7 July said asylum seekers cannot be blocked from applying for asylum without documents or missing reporting windows.
“The court ruled that asylum seekers cannot be blocked from applying for asylum just because they do not have certain documents”
Home Affairs action
On 7 October, Home Affairs shut down claims that the ruling gave asylum seekers citizenship or blanket legal status and handed the matter to the Electoral Commission.
“On 7 October, the Department of Home Affairs shut down claims that the ruling gave asylum seekers citizenship or blanket legal status”
What to remember
South Africa's Sassa agency confirms only 1,815 refugees receive social grants, shutting down false claims that undocumented foreigners get government money.
