A malfunction in the computer systems processing social grants saw some recipients receiving double payments, while others received nothing. Those given more than their due will be required to pay the excess back, according to Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu.
Some 435 000 people in the Western Cape were paid double, while a similar number (around 450 000) in KwaZulu-Natal were not paid at all.
The mistakes have been blamed on attempting to process payments earlier than usual, a measure intended to avoid crowding.
The minister told the media that ‘I still need to get a proper report in writing that says exactly where and how the glitch happened. I won’t be able to say who was responsible until I get a full briefing on the matter.’
The government expected those who had received duplicate payments to repay the money, although this would be difficult. ‘In terms of those who were paid double, we have to get that money back,’ she said.
‘It’s government money and people must be honest about it. But I know some people won’t pay it back. So we will have to deduct this from future payments. Government has to take responsibility and meet citizens halfway, but citizens also have a responsibility – that’s the bottom line for me. We still have to determine how we will get the money back, but ultimately, we have to.’