A spaza shop owner’s heartwarming gesture for Sassa recipients

A good Samaritan has brought smiles to the faces of those in need. Nomthandazo Jacobs, a spaza shop owner from Delft, selflessly supports South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) grant recipients by providing coffee and muffins on cold nights, demonstrating the power of community kindness.

Despite running a fat cakes spaza shop that is not particularly profitable, Jacobs was moved after hearing the stories of two seniors who were going to sleep outside the Sassa branch in Bellville. Touched by their plight, she decided to take action. With the little money she made from her business, she baked muffins and brewed coffee to ease their night.

“I was touched when two seniors came to buy fat cakes, telling me that it was for their supper at Bellville's Sassa offices. I literally cried after they left. It was unbelievable to see seniors going to sleep outside the Sassa office at noon. I still cannot believe that people are sleeping outside just to access their grants. This is a clear indication that Sassa's challenges are far from over,” she said, sobbing.

After hearing their story, Jacobs not only baked muffins but also hired a car to take her to Bellville at night. Arriving with three flasks and a batch of muffins, she asked the seniors if she could give each of them a treat. A loud cheer of "yes" erupted from the seniors, some of whom were already dozing off, echoing from 100 metres away. She began distributing coffee and muffins, bringing immense joy to the recipients.

“This is terrible: seeing seniors out in the cold. I wish I had more to give every day. I am doing all this with a pure heart. I know what it is like to sleep in the cold, hungry. I grew up poor, so I understand their pain. This pains me, but I am glad I have done something, and I hope to do this maybe three times a week,” she said.

Some pensioners shared that they opted to sleep outside because they were still struggling to receive their pension payouts, even after changing their cards. Others were there to apply for their grants. One woman in her thirties mentioned that she had been trying to secure a grant for her two children for a month. “We thank Mama for this gesture. It’s as if she knew that some of us have nothing. May she be blessed. I have been coming here for nearly a month now, but I have received no help. With Mama bringing us something, I am hopeful things will change,” she said.

An inquiry was sent to Sassa spokesperson Shivan Wahab for further comment.