Concern as social grant applicants are not being assisted fast enough MEC Sharna Fernandez said by 24 February, the social security agency managed to process 16,569 applications, which left a further 31,000 still in limbo. FILE: Frustated Gugulethu residents who waited for a full day at the Sassa office and were not assisted, rallied together and confronted Sassa CEO Busisiwe Memela about the problems they were encountering at the office. Picture: Kaylynn Palm/Eyewitness News. 40 days ago CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape Social Development Department said it was deeply concerned over the slow pace at which social grant applicants were being helped.