Share

SASSA warns of free uniform fake news

accreditation
"It is disturbing that some insensitive people find time to manufacture such fake news and play with the emotions of the needy."
"It is disturbing that some insensitive people find time to manufacture such fake news and play with the emotions of the needy."

As the school year kicks off, the high cost of school uniform continues to be a much talked about topic across South Africa. 

And while we've already shared what is being done to reduce and monitor costs, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is cautioning parents to be wary of fake news regarding free school uniforms. 

According to SASSA, malicious hoaxsters are using WhatsApp to circulate false information that the government agency will be assisting pupils with school uniforms and stationery at no cost. 

Believing the message to be true, SASSA says, parents have turned up at their offices seeking support only to be turned away. 

"This impacts on service delivery because SASSA officials have to spend time turning away needy people requesting school uniforms instead of officials focusing on delivering services. The sad thing is that poor people have to incur unnecessary transport costs to get to SASSA offices only to be turned away."

Condemning the inaccurate information via a press release, SASSA says that "It is disturbing that some insensitive people find time to manufacture such fake news and play with the emotions of the needy." 

SASSA has identified the source of information as originating from a Tweet posted in January 2018. 

Currently the child support grant is R430 per month. 

*You will not be eligible to receive this grant for more than six children who are not your biological or legally adopted children.

Follow this link to find out how to get child support grants in South Africa

Visit the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) website for more information or call 0800 601 011.

Chat back:

Share your story with Parent24. Anonymous contributions are welcome.

WhatsApp: Send messages and voicenotes to 066 010 0325

Email: Share your story with us via email at chatback @ parent24.com

Sign up for Parent24's newsletters.

Read more:

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE