SASSA Crisis in Khayelitsha: Hundreds of people with disabilities, including the elderly and those using crutches or wheelchairs, waited in long lines outside the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office in Khayelitsha on Monday. Many had spent the night there or arrived as early as 3 AM to secure a spot. The long queues formed because it was the first day of the year for disability grant applicants to book medical assessments.
SASSA Crisis in Khayelitsha
Despite repeated complaints and calls for additional SASSA offices in the area, the situation remains unchanged, leaving vulnerable people waiting for hours, often without food or proper facilities.
Desperate Wait for Disability Grant Bookings
The queue stretched over a kilometre from the SASSA office to Kuyasa train station by 8 AM. Some people were still asleep on pavements or in their cars, while others packed up blankets used overnight.
Among those waiting was Liliswa Jebese, who arrived at 7 AM from Level Two informal settlement in Khayelitsha. She has severe asthma and a knee injury from a car accident.
“I was here in December, but I collapsed while standing in the queue. I also had chest pains and didn’t have my asthma pump,” said Jebese.
She was previously granted a six-month disability grant that ended in December. Holding tightly onto her medical documents in a plastic bag, she worried she wouldn’t be helped because of her position at the back of the queue.
Hunger and Poor Conditions in the Queue
Many people in line hadn’t eaten, despite taking chronic medication. Informal vendors took advantage of the situation, selling chicken feet, apples, sweets, and cookies to those waiting.
Sibongiseni Faku, an activist from Freedom to the Forgotten, condemned the poor conditions.
“As much as today is the first day for medical bookings, this branch always has long queues, and people sleep over here every night,” Faku said.
“When will the government act? We have reached out to ministers and other officials, but our cries fall on deaf ears. Why can’t another SASSA office be opened in Khayelitsha? Why not use mobile offices? Why can’t the government at least provide food for those waiting in line?”
Safety Concerns and Queue Spot Selling
A woman who requested anonymity shared her frightening experience of sleeping in the queue overnight.
“I have epilepsy, and I almost got attacked last night after arguing with people who tried to take my spot.”
She also revealed that some people pay up to R100 to secure places in the queue.
Ongoing Issues at the SASSA Khayelitsha Office
This is not the first time such issues have been reported at the Khayelitsha SASSA office. In February last year, GroundUp highlighted similar complaints about long queues and poor service delivery.
Activists and affected individuals continue to demand urgent intervention from SASSA and the government, but no action has been taken yet.
SASSA’s response will be included once received.
The dire situation at the Khayelitsha SASSA office raises serious concerns about the treatment of people with disabilities and the elderly. Long queues, unsafe overnight waits, and the lack of additional offices continue to put vulnerable individuals at risk. Activists demand solutions such as mobile SASSA offices or additional service points to ease congestion and improve accessibility.
With thousands relying on disability grants, urgent action is needed to ensure a fair and dignified process for all applicants.
FAQ’s
Why were people queuing outside the SASSA Khayelitsha office?
People were queuing to book medical assessments for disability grants, as it was the first day for applications in 2025.
What challenges did people face in the SASSA queue?
Many people, including those with disabilities, waited overnight, faced hunger, and struggled with unsafe conditions.
Why are activists demanding another SASSA office in Khayelitsha?
The long queues and lack of facilities show the urgent need for more offices or mobile services to assist disability grant applicants.
Are there reports of queue spot selling at SASSA Khayelitsha?
Yes, some people allegedly pay up to R100 to secure a place in the queue.
What actions are being taken to address the SASSA queue issue?
Activists have raised concerns with government officials, but no official action has been taken yet.
