Source: IOL

Voucher Woes for Seniors: eThekwini Municipality Faces Backlash Over Distribution Mishaps

Durban – A distribution debacle has unfolded in eThekwini Municipality as senior citizens, meant to benefit from food vouchers valued at R650, have encountered various issues, leaving them disheartened and humiliated. The vouchers were distributed across the city to provide assistance to vulnerable elderly individuals, but a series of incidents have come to light, causing frustration and complaints.

Several residents have reported instances where the vouchers were either marked as “used” upon attempting to redeem them at stores, or the loaded amount was significantly less than the stipulated value. In one case, a resident collecting a voucher for a 93-year-old relative found that the voucher had no money loaded when trying to purchase Christmas groceries.

“I went to (a major retail store) to buy Christmas groceries, and when I went to pay at the counter, the teller told me that there was no money on the voucher. I had to pay from my own pocket, using my bank card,” shared a distressed resident.

Chesterville councillor Hugh Makhathini, upon inquiry, mentioned that he had not received reports of such incidents. However, DA councillor Aubrey Snyman acknowledged two cases in his ward and referred them to the municipality for investigation.

“The vouchers were for R650, and the resident was expecting to spend that amount. When the complainant got to the till, she found that there was only R119 in the voucher, and the other resident found there was only 90 cents in the voucher. It was a hugely embarrassing experience for them,” explained Snyman.

The controversy surrounding the voucher distribution process has deepened, with claims of misuse for political gain. Some public representative councillors had sought a share of the vouchers to distribute among residents independently, citing concerns that ward councillors might favor those affiliated with their political parties.

A concerned resident, who witnessed the distribution, voiced dismay, stating, “I was shocked to see that vouchers were given to many who did not fit the criteria. These people were well dressed and came with expensive cars.”

DA leader in eThekwini, Thabani Mthethwa, emphasized the urgency of addressing the voucher discrepancies and ensuring that all vouchers are loaded with the correct amount. Mdu Nkosi, the IFP leader in eThekwini, mentioned that some councillors had experienced problems with vouchers processing at tills.

Mayoral spokesperson Mluleki Mntungwa, however, stated that the municipality had not received any information about people being unable to use their vouchers. He encouraged those affected to reach out to their councillors for resolution.

As eThekwini Municipality navigates these distribution challenges, senior citizens and councillors alike hope for a swift resolution to ensure that those in need receive the intended support without further hurdles.