The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has stepped up its disaster relief efforts in Limpopo Province following severe flooding that has displaced many families and disrupted livelihoods across affected communities.
SASSA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Themba Matlou, arrived in the province on Monday, 19 January 2026, as part of the Agency’s coordinated intervention to ensure that households in need receive timely Social Relief of Distress and other emergency social assistance.
Upon his arrival, Mr Matlou held a strategic meeting with the SASSA Executive, led by Limpopo Regional Management, to receive a detailed briefing on the extent of the damage and the region’s preparedness. The discussion focused on strengthening response measures to support vulnerable households, including providing food assistance, temporary shelter, and facilitating access to social grant services.
This visit comes ahead of an official oversight visit scheduled for Wednesday, 21 January 2026, to Mbaula Village in Giyani, one of the communities hardest hit by the floods. The area has suffered extensive damage to homes, schools, and livelihoods, leaving many families in urgent need of assistance.
As part of its immediate relief efforts, SASSA is providing daily hot meals to 75 affected households at the Mbaula Assemblies of God Church, offering vital support to families displaced by the disaster.
Mr Matlou emphasised SASSA’s commitment to delivering social assistance to citizens in need, especially during times of crisis. He highlighted that the Agency is working closely with the Department of Social Development, provincial authorities, municipalities, and disaster management structures to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
The upcoming oversight visit will include inspections of the most affected areas, meetings with disaster management officials, and direct engagement with affected households to strengthen ongoing relief and recovery efforts and ensure that interventions meet the communities’ needs.
SASSA continues to play a key role in government disaster response efforts, reaffirming its dedication to supporting vulnerable households and restoring dignity to families affected by natural disasters.
About The Author
