Left in the Cold: Angry Pensioners Rise Against SASSA Shutdown in Johannesburg
Left in the Cold: Angry Pensioners Rise Against SASSA Shutdown in Johannesburg By Noko Maleka | Insight Jozi Johannesburg, South Africa — Outrage spilled onto the streets outside the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offices in Johannesburg today, as dozens of pensioners, the disabled, and vulnerable families gathered to protest poor service delivery. Turned Away at the Door By midmorning, frustrated pensioners began picketing after being turned away without receiving any assistance . Many had arrived in the early hours — some traveling long distances, others leaning on walking sticks or wheelchairs, and some carrying infants — hoping for vital support from the government. But instead, they were told the office had already reached its daily quota of 100 people and would be offering no further help that day. "We are human beings, not numbers," cried 69-year-old Nokuthula Dlamini , leaning on her walker. "Every time we come here, it’s the same story — ‘Come b...