Sne Masuku

Sne Masuku

The KwaZulu-Natal social development department has appealed to ill social grant bene- ficiaries to appoint a trustworthy relative or a friend to collect money on their behalf.

This follows the death of a 30-year-old woman who was waiting to collect her grant in Dundee on Monday.

Department spokesman Mandla Ngema said yesterday that there were various options for sick people.

"The sick beneficiary can have special forms filled out by hospital personnel if he or she is hospitalised.

"In the case of the bed-ridden, forms can be filled out either by a neighbour or even a local ward councillor," Ngema said.

He said the forms should be returned to the social welfare offices 48 hours before the payout date.

This authorisation is effective for three months and needs to be renewed if the beneficiary is still not fit to claim the grant in person.

Ngema said: "We urge people to take advantage of the programmes available. They should speak to social workers about whatever problems they have."