EWN reports that the Social Development Department on Wednesday agreed to suspend the South African Social Security Agency’s (Sassa's) biometric system following talks between Minister Susan Shabangu and the National Education Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu).  

The union had voiced concerns about the system saying staff were not skilled enough to use it and that beneficiaries were suffering as a result.  Employees are apparently also seeking extra pay for these services.  Nehawu said this did not mean its strike was over as a mandate would be handed over to its members on Thursday, at which point a decision would be taken on whether to continue the stay away or not.  At the same time, the department said discussions on the biometric system would continue.  The Western Cape Social Development Department said operations at some of its offices were hampered by Wednesday's Sassa strike.  Nehawu members picketed at Sassa offices in Khayelitsha, Eerste River and Kraaifontein.  Social Development MEC Albert Fritz indicated that the delivery of other services at these offices were completely disrupted.

• A short report by Kevin Brandt is at EWN

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