President Jacob Zuma used his Human Rights Day address to reassure social grant recipients that they will get their money at the end of the month.
The President delivered his Human Rights Day address in King Williams Town after earlier laying wreaths and unveiling a memorial to slain Black Consciousness leader, Steve Biko, in Ginsberg.
"Government is seeking to amend the Social Assistance Act to among other things, enable government to provide funeral benefits to the elderly and savings vehicles for care-givers of children. Let me take this opportunity to once again assure all who receive social grants that they will receive their money at the end of the month," President Zuma said.
In a wide-ranging speech he also tackled the issue of racism, saying that government, through the Department of Justice is finalising the national action plan against racism and related intolerances.
President Zuma also touched on the issue of crime, saying that government was concerned about the high levels of crime in some communities.
"We must accept that we have a problem and work hard to fight crime in our country. Communities indicated that they are tired of crime and being abused and bullied by gangs of criminals. Indeed our people should not co-exist with crime," Zuma said.
He also pointed to high crime rates in Lusikisiki and Mthatha in the Eastern Cape where he said "taxi violence has claimed a few lives."
"Police and relevant government departments are attening to these incidents. Crime in rural areas does not attain the high profile as that in urban areas but it is equally traumatic for residents. We call upon the police to act decisively against criminals who terrorise our people," Zuma said.
The President called on communities to work with police to create safer communities.
Earlier, President Jacob Zuma laid wreaths at the grave of slain Black Consciousness leader, Steve Biko, to mark 40 years since he died in police custody.
He was accompanied by Biko's widow, Nontsikilelo at the wreath-laying ceremony at Ginsberg near King Williams Town.
Zuma described Biko as a hero who "had inspired many young people, who made a point that we should liberate our minds so that we can liberate our country".
