Members of Parliament have voiced serious concerns over the South African Social Security Agency’s (SASSA) new grant verification process, citing delays and logistical challenges that are negatively affecting beneficiaries.
The Portfolio Committee on Social Development has called for urgent intervention regarding strict conditions imposed by National Treasury on SASSA’s 2025/26 budget allocation. Committee Chairperson Bridget Masango revealed that Treasury has mandated rigorous new measures, including:
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Quarterly reporting on suspended, cancelled, or reviewed grants.
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Income verification, including cross-checks with SARS, NSFAS, UIF, and Home Affairs databases.
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Biometric authentication for beneficiaries flagged as suspicious.
While the Department of Social Development has been allocated R285 billion for social grants in the upcoming financial year, Masango argues that the new verification requirements are causing significant delays, particularly for elderly and vulnerable recipients.
Verification Process Causing Hardship
Masango highlighted that beneficiaries, especially the elderly, are being forced to endure long queues at SASSA offices for in-person verification, often at great personal expense. Many return home unsuccessful, only to repeat the process the following day.
“We appreciate that these measures are meant to combat fraud, but if they prevent people from accessing their grants on time, they defeat the purpose of alleviating poverty,” Masango said.
Fraud vs. Accessibility: A Balancing Act
The issue presents a dilemma—while fraud remains a major concern, with cases such as the R260 million SASSA fraud scandal still unfolding, the verification process must not further disadvantage those reliant on grants.
Masango acknowledged SASSA’s efforts to improve systems, including:
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Expanding self-service kiosks.
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Deploying mobile units to rural areas.
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Strengthening biometric checks for staff and beneficiaries.
However, she stressed that implementation must be more efficient to avoid worsening the plight of grant recipients.
Call for Treasury Engagement
The Portfolio Committee plans to summon National Treasury to explain the feasibility of the stringent conditions. Masango emphasized the need for a balanced approach that ensures fraud prevention without denying legitimate beneficiaries their grants.
“We cannot allow people to suffer while combating corruption,” she said. “The systems must be robust, but they must also work for the people they are meant to serve.”
As the debate continues, the committee has called for a full systems audit and stronger oversight to ensure that SASSA’s reforms do not come at the expense of South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens.