An elderly woman has died in a stampede at the Dan Qeqe Stadium in Zwide, Port Elizabeth.
That's where the Department of Social Development held the launch of the 10 year anniversary since the SA Social Security Agency opened its doors to handle grant payments.
The stampede reportedly occurred when food parcels were being dished out to thousands of people at the stadium on Wednesday evening
Police spokesperson, Captain Andre' Beetge, says the identity of the woman is not yet known.
"The incident happened when food parcels and blankets were being dished out to the attendees. There were approximately between 14 000 and 15 000 people, the majority being elderly people attending the function," Beetge said.
"There's also two other women with broken legs and five others were taken to hospital with medium to serious injuries," he added.
Beetge's appealed to anyone who may be able to identify the woman, said to be in her eighties, to contact the Kwazakhele police station.
In a notice on its website the Department of Social Development said "2016 marks 10 years since the South African Social Security Agency opened its doors as a government institution to administer and distribute social grants. Minister Bathabile Dlamini will launch the campaign with the community of Zwide in Port Elizabeth."
"When SASSA opened on April 1, 2016, 10 million grants were paid every month. Today the number has grown to 17 million grants with a monthly investment of R10 billion.
SASSA is an agency of the Department of Social Development which was established in terms of the Social Assistance Act 13 of 2004 to provide comprehensive social security services to eligible poor and vulnerable South African citizens," the Department said.
"The 10 year celebrations will serve as an opportunity for the Department of Social Development and SASSA to assess progress made and to chart a way forward for a new payment system," the Department of Social Development said.
