Jakarta:The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has clarified its efforts to intensify social grant reviews and verification measures, stating these are necessary to maintain the integrity of the social assistance system and to prevent fraudulent payments.
According to South African Government News Agency, SASSA released this statement following reports about improper payments to beneficiaries who were allegedly ineligible for social grants during the 2025/2026 financial year. The agency acknowledged issues raised before the Portfolio Committee on Social Development and welcomed ongoing scrutiny over the management of public funds.
SASSA emphasized that social assistance is a constitutional obligation and essential safety net for millions of vulnerable South Africans. However, the agency stressed the importance of protecting the system against fraud, abuse, errors, and payments to those no longer qualified for assistance.
The agency's review and eLife certification measures have faced criticism from some societal groups, which express concerns that these steps might exclude legitimate beneficiaries. SASSA rejected these concerns, asserting that the processes ensure beneficiaries meet eligibility requirements. The agency highlighted that social grants are not unconditional entitlements and beneficiaries must report any changes affecting their eligibility, such as income, employment, marital status, and other personal circumstances.
SASSA also underscored the role of eLife certification in confirming whether beneficiaries are alive and legitimate recipients of social assistance. This process aims to prevent funds from being misused when a beneficiary has died or when another person unlawfully accesses the grant.
An additional measure, Beneficiary Biometric Enrolment, seeks to strengthen identity verification and enhance the security of transactions, reducing opportunities for impersonation and fraud. SASSA maintained that evolving controls are crucial given the significant public resources managed by the social assistance system and the millions it serves.
