After concerns from Sassa beneficiaries, the government postponed the deadline for swapping gold Sassa cards for new black Postbank cards to March 20. The queues at Sassa offices have decreased as beneficiaries rush to get the new cards, with plans to dispatch mobile offices to rural areas for assistance. Minister Malatsi and Minister Tolashe assured grant payments would continue uninterrupted and that community leaders and local authorities would help disseminate information and provide support.
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Africa: Civil Society Needs a Role in Mali’s Security Reforms
Security sector reforms in Mali, initiated in 2013 following a crisis, have been hindered by lack of political prioritization, corruption, and limited civil society involvement. Despite ongoing efforts to strengthen security institutions and address governance issues, challenges persist, including the exclusion of separatists from the reform process. Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a crucial role in overseeing SSR activities, but face obstacles such as limited capacity and government interference. Greater collaboration and communication among all...
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