SASSA suspends 70,000 grants amid nationwide review

SASSA says it has reviewed 240,000 social grants, suspending 70,000 due to non-compliance. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has reviewed 240,000 social grants, leading tothe suspension of 70,000 grants due to non-compliance. the suspension of 70,000 grants due to non-compliance.

Speaking at a briefing on Thursday, SASSA CEO Themba Matlou said the review process aims to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries receive grants, while also preventing fraud. “The more we save, the more our people are covered with social assistance,” Matlou said, highlighting the review’s role in safeguarding against fraud and ensuring efficient resource allocation, especially given the pressure on the government’s budget. The review process, required by the Social Assistance Act, 2004, obligates beneficiaries to report any changes in circumstances, including income or marital status or contact details, to help maintain accurate records and prevent ineligible individuals from receiving benefits.

Matlou explained that SASSA has partnered with institutions likeSARS, credit bureaus, andNSFASto verify beneficiaries’ eligibility. “Through data matching, we’ve identified thousands of beneficiaries who may no longer qualify,” he said. He said SASSA has flagged 495,296 beneficiaries for further review and has already contacted most of them to undergo verification.

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SASSA has also partnered with credit bureaus to cross-check applicants’ financial status. Matlou detailed how some individuals may falsely claim unemployment to qualify for grants, only to later obtain loans or financial products under false pretenses. A key innovation in the review process is biometric enrolment for new applicants and the rollout of e-Life Certification, which allows beneficiaries to complete life certification remotely via an online portal.

For the current financial year, SASSA set a target to complete 420,000 reviews, with nearly 400,000 beneficiaries already notified. Of the 240,000 grants reviewed, 70,000 were suspended due to non-compliance. Despite challenges, SASSA remains confident in meeting its target, he said. SASSA’s collaboration with other government agencies has helped identify beneficiaries with alternative sources of income or who may no longer be eligible for other reasons, such as incarceration.

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