Security vulnerabilities in the South African Social Security Agency’s (Sassa) Covid-19 SRD grant system were raised by two Stellenbosch University students last October.

Addressing these, Minister Sisisi Tolashe briefed the Portfolio Committee on Social Development on measures taken to improve the system’s security last Wednesday.

The briefing focused on investigation outcomes into vulnerabilities within the SRD system, and an update on security processes as directed by the National Treasury.

Increasing security measures

During the briefing, the following security measures were highlighted, with Sassa recording a decrease in identity theft cases in the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year:

– Upgraded security controls to protect the information of clients during web browsing, decreasing the likelihood of data leakage and misuse.

– A contract with a service provider to validate cellphone numbers.

– Implementing biometric identity verification when clients log in.

– Closer collaboration with key institutions such as the South African Revenue Services, the Unemployment Insurance Fund, and banking institutions.

Relief for most vulnerable

Jabulani Makondo, acting chief information officer, explained the system was designed to provide emergency financial support during the pandemic

“Since its launch, the system has handled millions of applications and currently processes 17.8 million clients, with approximately 8 million approvals each month.”

As part of verification and eligibility determination, he says, the system uses data from external government and private institutions, such as the Department of Home Affairs and SARS.

Tolashe welcomed the recent announcement by the Minister of Finance to extend the Covid-19 SRD until March 2027.

“The extension marks a critical shift in our government’s ongoing commitment to support vulnerable individuals, especially in the face of the current economic climate.”

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