“It Feels Like We’re Being Punished”: SASSA’s Grant Review Sparks Anger and Confusion

South Africa’s fragile social safety net has come under fire again, this time from long-standing civil society watchdog Black Sash, which is accusing the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) of failing the very people it was designed to protect.

Since SASSA introduced its new grant review process in April, meant to crack down on fraud and verify eligibility, reports of confusion, hunger and silent exclusions have been pouring in from across the country.

And despite reassurances from SASSA CEO Themba Matlou that “no grants have been suspended,” the lived reality on the ground tells a different story.

“We’re Just Cut Off , No SMS, No Letter”

At the heart of the outcry is the way the review process is being rolled out. Beneficiaries in Gauteng, Limpopo, the Western Cape and beyond have reportedly been left in the dark, waking up to find their grants stopped — with no explanation, no communication and no time to appeal.

Thandi Henkeman, Western Cape Regional Manager at Black Sash, says the organisation isn’t against reviews themselves but is deeply concerned about how they’re being done.

“We understand that SASSA must protect the integrity of the social assistance system. But a process that causes exclusion and hunger without warning is not a review — it’s a rights violation,” she told local media.

Henkeman adds that SASSA has a constitutional and legal obligation to ensure administrative fairness. “That hasn’t happened. And what we’re seeing now is chaos on the ground.”

Public Reaction: “This Isn’t Just Bureaucracy , It’s People’s Survival”

On social media, the outrage is palpable. Under hashtags like #SASSAReview and #GrantsMatter, frustrated recipients and advocates have taken to TikTok, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to share their stories. Videos show pensioners and parents queuing outside SASSA offices, confused about why their money has suddenly stopped.

One TikTok user posted, “My grandmother’s grant was her only income. It’s been two months without food in the house.”

Another X user wrote, “This is not just red tape. It’s people’s survival. It’s not fraud if you leave someone destitute because of a broken system.”

What’s Going Wrong?

The review process is part of a broader attempt by SASSA to clean up the grant system, which supports over 18 million South Africans every month. But critics argue that the execution is rushed and poorly communicated, especially to vulnerable recipients who may not have digital access or literacy.

Without formal notifications, beneficiaries are left to guess why their grants were stopped. Was it a paperwork issue? A mistaken identity flag? A technical glitch? No one knows — and that uncertainty is the real crisis.

A History of Tension

This isn’t the first time SASSA has been in hot water over its processes. Over the years, the agency has faced backlash over payment delays, mismanagement and chaotic SRD grant rollouts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Black Sash, which has been monitoring the agency for years, warns that these issues are not isolated. They point to a systemic problem with how the agency treats the country’s poorest.

“This isn’t just about inefficiency,” Henkeman says. “It’s about dignity. People deserve to know when and why their lifeline is being taken away.”

What Happens Next?

While SASSA continues to maintain that the reviews are lawful and necessary, civil society groups are calling for urgent intervention. Black Sash is pushing for improved transparency, direct communication with beneficiaries, and a formal appeals process before any grant can be suspended.

In the meantime, vulnerable South Africans remain stuck in limbo — unsure if, or when, their next grant payment will come.

Want to take action?

Black Sash encourages the public to report unfair grant terminations through their Helpline for Social Grants and to support local advocacy efforts aimed at holding SASSA accountable.

Source:Sabc News

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