SASSA has announced that it will introduce mandatory Beneficiary Biometric Enrolment in all its offices from 1 September.
The agency says this is set to revolutionise the administration of social grants, as the biometric enrolment will detect any potentially fraudulent activities in the SASSA’s grant system.
The introduction of Biometric Enrolment comes after a series of engagements with organised labour on a number of issues, which SASSA says have since been resolved.
CEO Themba Matlou has expressed relief at the conclusion of discussions with unions.
“Our plans were to commence with biometric enrolment at the beginning of the 2025/2026 financial year; however, we hit a snag, but we have ironed out the issues that delayed our plans, and it is all systems go for the implementation.”
Matlou says this will add extra impetus to the SASSA’s drive to improve the system and effectively root out any fraudulent elements.
“Biometric enrolment is a strategic move to ensure every grant recipient is verifiably authentic and that SASSA’s systems are resilient against manipulation and error, especially in cases involving forged green Identity Documents that frontline staff cannot reliably detect.”
SASSA says the biometric enrolment will ensure:
- Significant reduction in fraudulent applications and duplicate payments
- Reliable verification of beneficiary authenticity and proof of life
- Reduction in inclusion errors
- Streamlined documentation processes
- Enhanced audit outcomes and stronger record integrity
- Improved public trust in the Social Assistance Programme
Grant applications captured and approved from 1 September onwards will include biometric fingerprint enrolment or facial recognition through electronic Know Your Client (eKYC).
Applications without biometric data will be immediately put into the review cycle, notifying the client of the need to capture biometrics as per the review processes.
Matlou says SASSA has set up the necessary infrastructure and tools in all its offices across the country. August is being used to train front-line staff to ensure readiness, effective and efficient implementation.
“SASSA would like to reiterate its commitment and resolve to pay the right social grant to the eligible beneficiaries, and the Agency will continue to work with all its stakeholders in strengthening and safeguarding its systems. The Agency will not hesitate to act against
any of its officials, should they be suspected of working with anyone to defraud its systems.”
For enquiries, visit www.sassa.gov.za or call our toll-free number: 0800 60 1011 or email GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za.
