SASSA queues under the spotlight – minister vows to streamline the process at all offices
If you receive an SMS stating that your SASSA grant is up for review, attend to it urgently.
The Minister of Social Development, Dina Pule, is taking significant steps to help streamline the SASSA process.
During a press briefing on July 21, Pule said that over 350 000 beneficiaries would be reviewed and verified.
This will help ensure that the correct grant is paid to the right person, at the right time.
“We call upon clients to make use of digital platforms to avoid long queues at different offices,” Pule said.
Pule said the department had launched a modernisation programme that includes the expansion of digital service channels, such as enhanced online platforms (WhatsApp and mobile apps) for grant applications and broader digital service options to prevent people from having to visit SASSA offices.
She explained that the biometric verification programme had significantly strengthened identity authentication for new applications and grant reviews, especially since it also interfaces with systems of the Department of Home Affairs in real time.
This technology has helped prevent identity theft, duplicate claims, and other forms of fraud that undermine public confidence in the system.
“The fight against fraud in the social grant system is continuing through the implementation of eLife Certification as proof of life for our beneficiaries. Through this certification, beneficiaries are increasingly able to verify their continued existence and eligibility through a secure digital processes. We are also in the process of adding more capacity to SASSA offices to ease the pressure on those offices that are understaffed and face a heavy influx.”
Read more The mayor has intervened to address ongoing Sassa challenges affecting residents
More than 1 000 contract workers were being recruited across the country to provide additional frontline support and assist with beneficiary enquiries, process applications and reviews, and reduce waiting times at service points.
This would include extending operating hours at SASSA offices to enable more clients to be served.
The next Sassa payments will happen on the following days:
Older persons grants: August 4
Disability grants: August 5
Children’s grants: August 6
Your city, your story, as it happens. Stay in the loop with WITBANK NEWS.
Find us on our website, Facebook, X, Instagram or TikTok
