SASSA reassures beneficiaries at Maponya Mall office

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Gauteng has acknowledged concerns raised by beneficiaries who visited the Soweto office at Maponya Mall on June 8 regarding the alleged non-payment of their social grants.

The agency assured affected beneficiaries and the public that most cases are directly linked to the ongoing social grant review process, a legislated requirement under the Social Assistance Act designed to ensure that social assistance continues to reach only those who qualify.

“The review process is not punitive. It is a legal mechanism to verify that beneficiaries continue to meet the qualifying criteria for the grants they receive,” said SASSA’s senior manager for communication and marketing, Lungelo Mkamba.

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“Importantly, grants are not automatically cancelled. Every beneficiary selected for review is formally notified and given a reasonable opportunity to present themselves, confirm their circumstances and submit supporting information before any decision is made.”

Mkamba added that beneficiaries are also legally required to inform SASSA of any changes in their financial, personal, medical or marital circumstances that may affect their eligibility.

“In the current 2026/ 27 financial year alone, the Soweto local office has successfully completed 432 grant reviews. Many of those who came forward today were identified as beneficiaries who had been notified for a review but had not yet responded. SASSA officials attended to beneficiaries and guided them through the review process.”

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The agency conducts reviews nationally through several verification methods, including income verification, medical assessments and systematic data matching with the South African Revenue Service, credit bureaus and relevant government departments.

“Where discrepancies are found, beneficiaries are contacted and invited to engage with the agency before any action is taken.

“In cases where a beneficiary fails to respond within stipulated timeframes, a grant may be temporarily suspended. However, once the review is completed and eligibility confirmed, the grant is reinstated and payment resumes.”

Beneficiaries who believe their grants may be due for review are urged to visit their nearest SASSA office without delay, bringing their South African identity document and any relevant supporting documentation.

They are also encouraged to keep their contact details updated and to respond promptly to any communication from SASSA regarding reviews.