The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is set to usher in a new digital era with the introduction of mandatory Beneficiary Biometric Enrolment at all its offices from September 1.

The move is expected to strengthen the administration of social grants and help prevent potential fraud in the system.

SASSA says the new biometric system will serve as a critical tool to verify the authenticity of grant recipients and safeguard the integrity of the Social Assistance Programme.

The implementation follows extensive discussions with organised labour over a range of issues, which have now been successfully resolved.

SASSA CEO Themba Matlou welcomed the breakthrough.

“Our plans were to commence biometric enrolment at the beginning of the 2025/2026 financial year, but we hit a snag.

Those issues have now been ironed out, and it is all systems go for implementation,” Matlou said.

Biometric enrolment will require beneficiaries to provide either fingerprint data or facial recognition via electronic Know Your Client (eKYC) during grant applications.

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Applications submitted from September 1 without biometric data will enter a review process, and applicants will be notified to complete their enrolment.

According to SASSA, the biometric system will bring several benefits:

• Significant reduction in fraudulent applications and duplicate payments

• Reliable verification of beneficiary authenticity and proof of life

• Reduction in inclusion errors

• Streamlined documentation processes

• Enhanced audit outcomes and stronger record integrity

• Improved public trust in the Social Assistance Programme

The Agency has equipped all offices nationwide with the necessary infrastructure and is training frontline staff throughout August to ensure smooth implementation.

Matlou emphasised that the initiative is part of SASSA’s broader efforts to maintain a secure and accountable grants system.

“We remain committed to paying the right social grant to eligible beneficiaries. We will continue working with all stakeholders to strengthen and safeguard our systems, and we will not hesitate to act against any official suspected of facilitating fraud,” he said.

For grant enquiries, visit www.sassa.gov.za or contact the toll-free number 0800 60 1011 or email GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za.