The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development says it has proactively engaged all Local Authorities to constantly investigate issues of pricing and compliance to standards by suppliers to vulnerable communities across all districts.

Ministry spokesperson, Masego Ramakgathi says this is done with a view to adequately respond to concerns or to allay any fears from the public, especially on issues of pricing and quality of goods or commodities acquired through Smart Switch.

However, he said the Ministry is appreciative of the feedback on the services rendered through Smart Switch cards and will continue to monitor and evaluate its impact on customers based on their feedback and assessment.

He told The Midweek Sun that should the Ministry confirm any breach or lack of compliance by suppliers in terms of pricing and quality of goods, then their contract will be subjected to review and termination.

Quizzed on whether beneficiaries will in the future enjoy the liberty of purchasing their groceries in retailers of their choice, Ramakgathi said they cannot rule out the possibility of enhancing this service on the basis of feedback and assessment by the user or affected parties.

According to Ramakgathi, the Ministry is guided by the Destitute Policy to determine who can benefit from Smart Switch services.

"The Ministry, through all local authorities, undertakes thorough assessment on the beneficiaries and of course as Government we will continue to engage with our stakeholders especially clients on how we can serve them adequately efficiently, even closer, faster and better," he said.

But as of now, he said, the ministry has not received any official report or complaints from clients about the Smart Switch services.