Crime
Government cuts 35,000 Sassa grants in major fraud crackdown
For millions of South Africans, a Sassa payment is not a luxury. It is survival. It keeps the lights on, puts food on the table, and helps families stretch through another month in a tough economy. So when the government announces that tens of thousands of grants have been cut, it lands heavily.
This week, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed during the 2026 Budget Speech that nearly 35,000 grants have been terminated after being flagged as incorrect or fraudulent. The move follows major system upgrades at the South African Social Security Agency, better known as Sassa.
What changed at Sassa?
The government has strengthened its grip on fraud by upgrading biometric verification and tightening income checks. In simple terms, the system now does a far better job of confirming that the person receiving the grant is who they say they are and that they genuinely qualify under the income thresholds.
Those improved checks uncovered almost 35,000 cases where grants were either incorrectly awarded or fraudulently claimed. The result: termination.
According to Godongwana, the enhanced systems and tighter targeting of beneficiaries are expected to save the fiscus around R3 billion. In a year where every cent counts, that figure matters.
The balancing act: protection versus policing
There is always tension in stories like this. On one side, the government insists it must protect taxpayer money and ensure that only eligible South Africans receive assistance. Godongwana was clear that abuse of the system will not be tolerated.
On the other side, there is public anxiety. Social media conversations often reflect a mix of relief and concern. Many South Africans support action against fraud, especially when stories of illegal beneficiaries surface. At the same time, there is worry about legitimate recipients being caught in administrative errors.
Sassa has long faced scrutiny over fraud risks, system glitches, and long queues at pay points. Strengthening biometric verification is part of a broader effort to modernise the agency and restore public trust.
Why this matters in 2026
South Africa’s social grant system is one of the largest on the continent. It supports pensioners, people living with disabilities, caregivers, and unemployed citizens. In a country grappling with high unemployment and rising living costs, social assistance remains a cornerstone of social stability.
The R3 billion in projected savings will likely be framed as a win for fiscal discipline. But the real test lies in execution. Fraud must be rooted out without undermining access for the most vulnerable.
The government has stressed its commitment to ensuring that deserving and eligible South Africans continue to receive support. That promise will be closely watched in the months ahead.
For now, the message from Treasury is firm: the safety net remains in place, but the holes are being stitched up.
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Source: eNCA
Featured Image: EWN
