SA Govt discovers over 4000 Ghost workers on payroll

South Africa’s public sector is undergoing a massive digital exorcism. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has confirmed that a high-stakes audit has uncovered 4,323 ghost workers—non-existent or ineligible individuals—haunting the government’s payroll. The discovery, announced during the 2026 Budget Speech, marks a turning point in the state’s battle against systemic payroll fraud.

These ghosts are individuals listed on the PERSAL (Personnel and Salary) system who receive monthly salaries but do not actually work for the state. In many cases, these entries are created through collusion between officials to siphon off taxpayer money, costing the country billions of rands annually. Facial Recognition and Physical ProofTo catch these invisible earners, the National Treasury is moving beyond simple paperwork.

The government is now using facial recognition technology linked to the National Population Register. If an employee’s face doesn’t match the ID on file, or if they cannot be physically found at their supposed place of work, the consequences are immediate.”A verification process is underway,” Minister Godongwana stated. “Employees who cannot be physically verified will have their salaries withheld and their employment status suspended.” Essentially, if you can’t prove you exist, the money stops flowing.Closing the R3.9 Billion GapIllegal payroll entries are estimated to drain over R3.9 billion from the South African economy every year.

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The audit is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Basic Education. It specifically targets high-risk cases, such as people receiving double salaries or those whose ID numbers appear fraudulent. This crackdown is part of a broader data-driven strategy to professionalize the public service. For the first time, departments are being held strictly accountable for their employee counts, ensuring that every cent of the national budget goes to people who are actually on the job.

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