KZN Sassa Goes Digital With Biometric Registration And Income Verification

KwaZulu-Natal’s social grant system has entered a new digital era. The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) in KZN has officially rolled out biometric registration and digital income verification across all 82 of its offices, marking a major step towards modernising how social grants are managed and distributed.

Strengthening Trust In The System

According to KZN Regional Manager Thamo Mzobe, the Beneficiary Biometric Enrolment (BBE) system went live on 1 September 2025. The upgrade introduces fingerprint scanners to verify beneficiaries’ identities and reduce cases of fraud and duplication.

So far, 901 officials have been trained to use the system, with 748 already fully transitioned to the new platform. The goal, Mzobe said, is not just improved security but also a smoother, faster experience for those applying for or renewing grants.

“The system enhances both security and efficiency in registering grant beneficiaries,” she said.

Tackling Fraud Through Digital Checks

Beyond biometrics, Sassa’s new digital income verification process is also tightening oversight. The province has a dedicated team of 38 officials reviewing over 184,000 flagged cases, including those linked to credit bureau data showing income activity, multiple bank accounts, or duplicate identity numbers.

Mzobe noted that 77% of these cases have already been reviewed, and the agency aims to finalise the remaining cases before the end of the financial year.

This move comes at a time when South Africa’s social grant systemsupporting millions of vulnerable citizensis under pressure to balance accessibility with accountability. Digital checks are expected to play a key role in preventing fraudulent claims and ensuring that assistance reaches those who truly need it.

Oversight Committee Applauds Progress

The Portfolio Committee on Social Development, which conducted an oversight visit in KZN, praised the region’s efforts to embrace technology in public service delivery. During an inspection at the Stanger Sassa office, committee members met with staff to observe operations first-hand.

Committee Chairperson Bridget Masango said the visit gave members a deeper understanding of the laws and systems that guide Sassa’s work.

“The engagement opened our eyes to the legal and regulatory framework that enables the work of government to happen. We can really see the progress and can imagine what more is possible,” she said.

A Step Toward A Smarter Future

The rollout positions KwaZulu-Natal as one of the leading provinces in digitising social grant administration. For thousands of residents who depend on these services, the changes promise not only improved efficiency but also greater trust in a system that forms the backbone of South Africa’s social safety net.

As technology continues to reshape governance, KZN’s Sassa model could soon serve as a blueprint for how public service delivery evolves nationwide.

{Source:IOL}

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