The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has strongly condemned the illegal and exploitative practice of selling queue positions at its local offices, following reports that the practice is spreading across the country.

On April 16, SASSA CEO Themba Matlou described the reports as a “mushrooming scourge” that is unacceptable, unlawful, and a serious exploitation of vulnerable members of society who rely on social assistance for survival.

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

Matlou vowed that SASSA will not take the issue lying down and confirmed that action will be taken against those involved in the practice.

He added that any SASSA official who may have participated in those acts against people visiting SASSA offices will also face serious consequences.

“We take serious exception to these acts 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 we cannot allow it to happen,” Matlou emphasised.

To address the issue, SASSA will strengthen its security systems and work with law enforcement agencies to curb the practice by ensuring that the law is enforced against those involved.

The agency urged the public to report any instances of queue positions being sold and reiterated that access to SASSA services is free and should never be paid for.

To report issues involving queue positions, beneficiaries can inform an official at the branch they are at.

Alternatively, they can call the SASSA Fraud Hotline on 0800 60 10 11, or they can email GrantsEnquiries@sassa.gov.za

Beneficiaries can also report it to their nearest police station, and the police will contact SASSA or the specific branch the beneficiary is attending.