Another batch of the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants has been released for collection during the month of May. And as beneficiaries get ready to wait in line, the South African Post Office (Sapo) is urging all applicants to resist accepting “help” from any queue marshals.
Avoid bribes when collecting R350 SRD grants
These self-appointed queue marshals promise beneficiaries they will get them to the front of the line in return for a bribe. But once the bribe is paid, the “marshal” goes missing.
“The post office advises beneficiaries not to consider paying such bribes. Paying or soliciting a bribe constitutes criminal activity,” Sapo said on Monday.
And when beneficiaries arrive at any post office to collect their SRD grant, they need to ensure that they are standing in the correct line.
There are two separate queues – one for the R350 SRD grant beneficiaries, and one for other transactions.
All approved applicants who are collecting at a post office are also reminded that the day they are allowed to collect their grants is determined by the last three digits of their ID number.
Alternative options for grant collections
Furthermore, the Sapo has also urged all beneficiaries that, if possible, they should rather make use of the alternative options to collect their grants.
This includes collecting at the following stores:
- Pick n Pay
- Boxer
- Shoprite
- Checkers
- USave
Media Statement: Do not pay to jump the queue