Illegal sale of queue spots to grant beneficiaries condemned

Sassa warns that action will be taken against perpetrators and officials involved in the sale of queue positions at its offices

April 17, 2026

Gugu Myeni 1 minute read

Sassa acknowledges queue management challenges PHOTO: Ray Peyters

The selling of queue positions at South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) offices is ‘unlawful and a serious exploitation’ of social grant beneficiaries.

This stern warning has been issued by the agency which said action will be taken against perpetrators and officials who may have created fertile ground for this scourge.

“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,” said Sassa CEO Themba Matlou.

In response, Sassa is strengthening its security systems and working with law enforcement agencies to clamp down on this.

“Sassa acknowledges challenges experienced in some of its offices in ensuring effective and seamless service delivery, which is compounded by systematic issues,” said Matlou.

“We are not oblivious to our own challenges, and this is precisely why we are not resting but encouraging our staff to hasten the implementation of our intervention measures.

“We are working tirelessly to enhance our queue management systems to ensure fair and orderly access. This will reinforce priority service channels for the elderly, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.”

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