The Black Sash and its board of Trustees conveys its deepest and sincerest condolences to the families of the passengers, mostly pensioners and learners, who tragically passed away following a horrific bus accident in the Eastern Cape on Monday, 02 March 2020.
Social grant beneficiaries who live in rural areas are reliant on poor public transport infrastructure to access services including their social grant payments. Every month beneficiaries travel long, often unsafe distances, at great expense to pay points, SAPO branches, ATMs and retail centers. Since SASSA reduced the number of pay points in 2018 from 10 000 to 1 740, the challenges facing grant beneficiaries trying to access their grants in rural areas has sadly worsened for particularly the elderly and disabled beneficiaries.
We call on the Minister of Transport to hold those responsible fully accountable for the loss of precious lives and for the injuries incurred. Lynette Maart, Director of the Black Sash, says, “This is a devastating tragedy that never should have happened. The Black Sash wishes those who were injured a full recovery and we keep those who have lost loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.”
The Black Sash remains even more committed to ensure that grant beneficiaries access their human rights in a manner that is both safe and dignified.
FOR FURTHER COMMENTS AND MEDIA INQUIRIES
Black Sash: media@blacksash.org.za m
