Matlou said that the review process had placed increased pressure on local offices, and it was crucial for leadership to be accessible.
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has mobilised its senior leadership to provide direct support to grant beneficiaries during the August payment cycle, particularly those affected by the ongoing review process.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Sassa CEO Themba Matlou called on executives and senior managers across all nine regions to assist at local offices to ensure that no beneficiary is left unattended.
“We are intent on driving to assist all our clients to have their grants reviewed as seamlessly as possible so that no one leaves our offices without being assisted and being burdened with back and forth,” said Matlou.
On-the-ground leadership expected
Matlou emphasised that the review process had placed increased pressure on local offices, and it was crucial for leadership to be visible and accessible.
He said this hands-on approach would help speed up support services and reduce the burden on ordinary citizens waiting in long queues.
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“I have asked the executives and senior managers to be visible to clients, ensure that enquiries regarding the 4th payment date are addressed promptly and professionally,” Matlou said.
Safeguarding the system
The CEO described the grant reviews as essential to preserving the integrity of the system.
“They are the best tool to safeguard the government fiscus, thus ensuring that social grants are paid to the eligible beneficiaries while strengthening the integrity of the system and curbing fraudulent activities internally and externally,” he explained.
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While assuring that the majority of payments would proceed without hindrance, Matlou said the agency was determined not to allow operational lapses to impact vulnerable beneficiaries.
“The ongoing social grants reviews have put a spotlight on us as an organisation and tested our capacity to handle the inflow to our local offices,” he said.
Call for cooperation
Matlou urged all affected beneficiaries to cooperate and visit their nearest Sassa local offices with the necessary documents for their reviews and personal information updates. He stressed that beneficiaries should not be alarmed by the process.
Required documents include:
- A valid South African ID
- Proof of income or unemployment
- Three months’ bank statements
- Proof of residence
- Marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable)
- Death certificates (if relevant)
- Any supporting documents based on the grant type
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