Social Development Minister, Dina Pule, has announced a range of measures to improve service delivery at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and strengthen the country’s social grant system.
Speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday, Pule acknowledged the frustrations experienced by grant beneficiaries, particularly the long queues at SASSA offices. She said restoring dignity, respect and confidence in the agency is one of her immediate priorities and that government has listened to the concerns raised by beneficiaries.
To improve service delivery, Pule said SASSA will recruit more than 1,000 contract workers across the country to provide frontline support, assist with grant applications and reviews, and reduce waiting times. The agency also plans to extend office operating hours and expand digital services, including WhatsApp and its mobile app, to make services more accessible.
The minister said SASSA will continue conducting grant reviews to ensure only eligible beneficiaries receive social grants and to protect the system from fraud and abuse. She added that more than 350,000 grant reviews are planned for the 2026/27 financial year, with projected savings of R1.5 billion that can be redirected to other government priorities.
Pule said biometric verification and eLife Certification are being used to prevent identity theft, duplicate claims and other forms of fraud. She encouraged beneficiaries to make use of SASSA’s digital platforms where possible to avoid unnecessary visits to local offices.
She also said home visits for beneficiaries who are older than 75 years or too frail to travel will continue, while she plans to visit SASSA offices across the country to monitor the implementation of the new measures and engage with communities on improving service delivery.
About The Author
