SASSA: New system requires fingerprint or facial recognition access
As of September 1, all captured and approved SASSA grant applications will include a mandatory biometric fingerprint enrolment or facial recognition process.
A new biometric system aims to curb the wave of South African Social Service Agency (SASSA) fraud from September 1.
SASSA is set to introduce a system aimed at controlling fraudulent administration of social grants.
According to CEO Themba Matlou, this follows extensive engagements with organised labour to resolve issues within the agency.
He said the new mandatory Beneficiary Biometric Enrolment system will be implemented at all SASSA offices as of September 1.
“The new era is expected to revolutionise the administration of social grants, and the biometric enrolment is set to be a precursor to detect and nip in the bud any potentially fraudulent activities in the SASSA grant system,” he said.
Matlou added the enrolment came at an opportune time when the agency is ramping up its efforts to improve its systems.
“The biometric system is a strategic move to ensure that every grant recipient is verifiably authentic,” he emphasised.
He said the system will ensure the agency’s systems are resilient against manipulation and error. “Especially in cases involving forged green identity documents that frontline staff cannot reliably detect.”
According to him, the initiative will further ensure the enhancement of risk control, contributing to a more secure and accountable grant system.
“It will ascertain that social grant recipients are living individuals at the time of application,” he said.
MEDIA STATEMENT| SASSA to introduce biometric enrollment in September@The_DSD @nda_rsa pic.twitter.com/oIC11hr7Rt
— SASSA (@OfficialSASSA) August 25, 2025
Furthermore, the biometric system will ensure:
– Significant reduction in fraudulent applications and duplicate payments.
– Reliable verification of beneficiary authenticity and roof of life
– Reduction in inclusion errors
– Streamlined documentation processes
– Enhanced audit outcomes and stronger record integrity
– Improved public trust in the Social Assistance Programme.
Matlou urged beneficiaries and applicants to take note that grant applications captured and approved from September 1 onwards will include biometric fingerprint enrolment or facial recognition through the electronic Know Your Client (eKYC) process.
“Applications without biometric data will be immediately put into the review cycle, notifying the client of the need to capture biometrics as per the review processes,” he emphasised.
He concluded by saying that SASSA reiterates its commitment and resolve to pay the right social grant to the eligible beneficiaries.
“The agency will continue to work with all its stakeholders in strengthening and safeguarding its systems. [It] will not hesitate to act against any of its officials should they be suspected of working with anyone to defraud its systems,” he said.
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