Sassa CEO Themba Matlou has condemned the illegal and exploitative practice of selling queue positions at its offices across the country.

Matlou said this practice is unacceptable, unlawful and a serious exploitation of vulnerable members of society, who solely rely on social assistance for survival.

He said taking advantage of the elderly and people living with disabilities is extremely disheartening.

“Sassa will not take the issue lying down. Action will be taken against those involved in the scourge and any Sassa official who may have created fertile ground for those heinous acts to be perpetrated against people visiting the offices,” said Matlou.

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“We take serious exception to these acts as the agency as they happen at the doorsteps of our offices and create an impression that we are complicit and encourage this exploitation of our people. We condemn this in the strongest possible terms and cannot allow it to happen.”

Sassa plans to strengthen its security systems and work with the law enforcement to curb this practice.

Matlou added that the agency acknowledges service delivery challenges experienced in some of its offices, that are compounded by systematic issues. He said the agency is committed to improving operational efficiency.

“We are not oblivious to our own challenges. We are working tirelessly to enhance our queue management systems to ensure fair and orderly access. This will reinforce priority service channels for the elderly, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups,” he said.

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He encouraged Sassa beneficiaries to use the newly introduced online self-service eLife Certification portal to verify their details when notified to do so, instead of visiting local offices, thereby saving time and transport costs.