MPs decry delayed payouts of social benefits

Pauline Dikuelo | Friday March 10, 2017 15:30

The company won the tender to disburse social benefits cash allowances to about 20,000 beneficiaries in the area last year taking over from BotswanaPost.

Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Southern District raised their concerns this week blasting the delays, which they said was a big inconvenience to the beneficiaries.

“Sandulela is not fulfilling their promise as most of the beneficiaries are complaining that some of their money is short while the others complain that sometimes they do not come to the pay points as agreed,” said MP for Mmathethe/Molapowabogang, Dr Alfred Madigele.

MP for Goodhope/Mabule Kgosi Lotlamoreng Montshiwa II also echoed the same sentiments about the delayed payouts.

In response, managing director of Sandulela, Percy Radikola rubbished the accusations attributing the delays in payments to the recent heavy rainfalls.

“Those are just allegations. A lot has been rectified and the only hiccup that occurred recently was because of the heavy rainfalls. Sandulela is not failing to deliver. We have started launching merchants’ partners this week for the disbursements to add onto the Kgotla visits,” he said.

According to Radikola, they have already started partnering with some retail outlets with the latest one being Spar at Mongala Mall in Kanye. In addition, Radikola said they partner Sefalana and Spar stores for payouts in the remote villages.

Radikola also said over 60 youths in the different localities have been employed as paying officers, care and support staff, supervisors and drivers.

Sandulela services include monthly disbursement of social benefits for old pensioners, World War II veterans, destitute people and disability allowances.