Tragedy struck in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal, when a 60-year-old man collapsed and died while waiting to submit his SASSA application. The incident has left the community of Phoenix devastated and outraged, as reports suggest that the nearby clinic, just meters away, failed to respond in time to save him.
The man, identified as Manikum Pillay, had been standing in line with his wife early on Thursday morning to submit his social grant application. Witnesses say Pillay suddenly collapsed, striking his head on the pavement as he fell. Panic ensued among those waiting in line, with bystanders rushing to seek help from a nearby clinic — located only about 50 meters from the scene.
However, according to several witnesses, clinic staff allegedly refused to assist immediately, claiming they could not leave the premises to attend to him. This response sparked anger among community members, who felt that precious minutes were wasted while the man lay unconscious on the ground.
Emergency medical responders from Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) were eventually called to the scene. Upon arrival, paramedics attempted to assess the man’s condition but, sadly, it was too late. Pillay was declared dead at approximately 09:03 a.m.
Residents of Verulam and Phoenix have expressed deep sorrow and frustration over the incident, saying that a life could possibly have been saved if help had come sooner. Many took to social media to share their grief, with some describing the situation as a “failure of humanity and compassion.”
Community members have since demanded a full investigation into the conduct of the clinic staff and the circumstances surrounding the delay in medical assistance. Several people have also urged the Department of Health and SASSA to review procedures for public assistance points, emphasizing that elderly citizens often spend long hours waiting in queues, sometimes in poor conditions.
“This man was just trying to get the help he needed to survive,” one witness told reporters. “To die waiting for support, while help was just meters away, is unacceptable. We need accountability.”
Local leaders have called for better coordination between nearby health facilities and public service points, suggesting that clinics should have an emergency response protocol for incidents that occur in close proximity.
Meanwhile, Pillay’s family is said to be in deep shock. Neighbors described him as a humble and hardworking man devoted to his wife and children. His death has reignited conversations about the treatment of the elderly and vulnerable citizens who depend on social grants to make ends meet.
As investigations continue, many are left asking the same haunting question: How could someone die so close to help — and yet receive none?
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