SASSA urged to restore verification system after suspension of R370 grants! The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development in Parliament, Bridget Masango, has called on the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to urgently restore its suspended Electronic Know Your Client (eKYC) system.
The suspension has left thousands of Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant recipients unable to verify their eligibility and access their much-needed support.
The Suspension of eKYC
SASSA temporarily halted the eKYC system as part of efforts to verify the identities of SRD grant beneficiaries and prevent fraudulent applications.
This system, which uses biometrics technology, was introduced in October 2024 after a sharp increase in SRD applications.
“We appreciate the effort to combat fraud, but we strongly express concern about the suspended eKYC verification system that leaves thousands of eligible people unable to prove their eligibility,” said Masango.
The SRD grant, initially launched during the COVID-19 pandemic as a R350 monthly relief, supports unemployed individuals unable to meet their families’ basic needs. Approximately 10 million people rely on this financial assistance, making delays in payments particularly devastating for vulnerable households.
Beneficiaries Required to Re-Apply
Following the suspension, SRD beneficiaries were informed they must re-apply and verify their identity through the eKYC system. However, the system’s unavailability has complicated the process for those attempting to comply.
SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi explained that the suspension is necessary to ensure grant payments reach the correct recipients and prevent fraudulent activities.
“The agency encourages applicants to make sure their identity numbers are not used for fraudulent activities,” said Letsatsi.
Beneficiaries who encounter issues, such as a “referred” status on their applications, are urged to contact SASSA through its toll-free hotline or WhatsApp service to resolve potential cases of fraud.
Fraud Concerns and Investigations
As part of its investigation into vulnerabilities within the SRD grant payment system, SASSA has suspended over 100,000 grant payments in the Eastern Cape. Letsatsi noted that some provinces, such as KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and Limpopo, have reported unusually high numbers of applications, prompting suspicion and further scrutiny.
In October 2024, SASSA revealed that it had received 17.2 million applications nationwide. Of these, 4.4 million originated from KwaZulu-Natal, 3.2 million from Gauteng, and 2.3 million from Limpopo. While SASSA refrained from making assumptions about these spikes, it emphasized the need for enhanced verification measures to identify inconsistencies.
“Serious consequences await those attempting to defraud the system,” Letsatsi warned, adding that SASSA is working closely with law enforcement agencies to address fraud cases.
Impact on Vulnerable Communities
The suspension of payments and delays in reinstating the eKYC system have disproportionately affected vulnerable individuals who rely on the SRD grant for survival. Many recipients have expressed frustration and desperation as they wait for a resolution.
Masango emphasized that while combating fraud is essential, deserving beneficiaries should not suffer as a result.
“The Minister must intervene and ensure that the verification system is brought back online to enable the deserving beneficiaries to receive their grants,” Masango said.
She further stressed the importance of balancing fraud prevention efforts with ensuring timely support for those in genuine need.
SASSA’s Commitment to Fraud Prevention
SASSA has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the SRD grant system from fraudulent activities. Letsatsi urged beneficiaries to report any suspected fraud immediately to the agency, assuring them that every case would be thoroughly investigated.
In the meantime, Masango and other social development stakeholders continue to advocate for swift action to restore the eKYC system, enabling eligible individuals to access their grants without further delay.
Looking Ahead
The resolution of this issue is critical for millions of South Africans who depend on the SRD grant for their livelihoods. As SASSA navigates the challenges of ensuring system integrity while meeting urgent needs, it remains under pressure to strike a balance that prevents fraud without compromising support for the country’s most vulnerable populations.