SASSA reviews safeguard South Africa’s social grant lifeline

For millions of South Africans, a social grant isn’t just moneyit’s a lifeline. From keeping children fed to ensuring older citizens can live with dignity, social assistance touches the everyday lives of families across the country.

Now, SASSA is taking steps to ensure that this lifeline remains secure, sustainable, and fair.

Why reviews matter

CEO Themba Matlou recently outlined how ongoing social grant reviews are not punitive, but essential. Conducted in line with the Social Assistance Act of 2004 and National Treasury requirements, these checks verify eligibility, prevent fraud, and protect public resources.

Each month, SASSA distributes roughly R20 billion to more than 19 million beneficiaries, making oversight a critical task. “With stakes this high, every rand must reach the right person,” Matlou said.

So far, the review process has saved about R44 million per month, or over R500 million annuallyfunds that strengthen the system’s sustainability and ensure support continues to flow to those who truly need it.

How the reviews work

The process is transparent and legally mandated. Beneficiaries are regularly required to report changes in income, marital status, or other personal circumstances. SASSA uses a combination of biometric enrolment, life certification, and data matching with the South African Revenue Service and credit bureaus to confirm eligibility.

This year, nearly 400,000 beneficiaries were notified for reviews, with 240,000 grants assessed so far. Around 70,000 grants were suspended due to non-compliance, but suspension is never automaticbeneficiaries have multiple opportunities to clarify their circumstances before action is taken.

Modernising for convenience

SASSA has also introduced innovations to make compliance easier. These include a self-service e-Life Certification portal that reduces office visits, targeted life certification, and a fourth monthly payment date that acts as a prompt for beneficiaries to update information or resolve missed payments.

Collaboration with institutions such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and other government departments further ensures that grant funds are not misused. So far, income verification has identified 495,296 beneficiaries whose eligibility needs further assessment.

Beneficiaries’ responsibilities

Matlou stresses that safeguarding the system is a shared responsibility. Beneficiaries must fully disclose all sources of income, promptly report any changes in circumstances, and ensure their contact information is current.

“This isn’t about taking away support, it’s about fairness, accountability, and protecting the integrity of the system,” he said. “Every legitimate beneficiary benefits when fraud and waste are prevented.”

A national asset

South Africa’s social grants are more than just payments, they are a national asset, a cornerstone in the fight against poverty, hunger, and inequality. By ensuring the system works efficiently and responsibly, SASSA protects not only public funds but also the dignity and stability of millions of households.

As Matlou emphasises, the grant reviews help secure a system that is fair, resilient, and reliable, ensuring that South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens continue to receive the support they depend on.

{Source: IOL}

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