Sassa CEO: Agency commits to transparency and accuracy in social grants

The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) said that 13 000 people from Mpumalanga were flagged through credit bureau data checks as having experienced financial changes that may affect their eligibility for social grants.

This was confirmed by the Sassa CEO, Themba Matlou, during an address at Emnotweni Arena on Tuesday, August 12. Matlou said the agency has embarked on a review process to identify beneficiaries who may no longer qualify for social grants due to changes in their financial, medical or legal circumstances.

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Some of these beneficiaries have already lapsed, leaving 7 936 cases in Mpumalanga for grant review.

“We reported that 210 000 people nationally were flagged through credit bureau checks for possible changes in financial circumstances, affecting their grant eligibility. SMS notifications have been sent to most of these beneficiaries, and the majority have presented themselves for the review process.”

On the topic of fraud management, he said Sassa investigated 24 fraud cases in Mpumalanga during the last financial year. All cases were finalised. The agency has developed an anti-fraud management strategy and strengthened its risk and compliance unit to prevent and investigate fraudulent activities.

“Our aim is to restore trust, confidence and integrity in the grant system,” he said. Matlou added that the unit’s capacity has been further strengthened and that fraud investigations have been declared a flagship project within the agency.

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He also noted that approximately R1.5m in social grants, including the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress grant, is paid out in Mpumalanga each month. “We ensure that grants are paid only to legitimate beneficiaries in line with our mandate under the Social Assistance Act,” he said.