The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) says its intensified grant review process is saving the government about R44 million every month, adding up to roughly R500 million a year, by rooting out ineligible claims and strengthening oversight.
Speaking on the progress of the programme, SASSA CEO Themba Matlou said the review is designed to protect the integrity of social assistance and ensure that support reaches only those who qualify. The process was rolled out in the 2025/2026 financial year and includes income verification, biometric checks, data cross-referencing with other government departments, and mandatory quarterly reporting.
By the third quarter, nearly 400,000 beneficiaries had been flagged and asked to come forward for assessment. Of these, 240,000 grants were reviewed, while around 70,000 were suspended after beneficiaries failed to comply with review requirements.
Matlou stressed that the initiative is firmly grounded in the Social Assistance Act of 2004, which places a legal obligation on beneficiaries to disclose any changes in their financial or personal circumstances that could affect eligibility.
Looking ahead, SASSA is moving to modernise the system even further. Plans are underway to introduce compulsory biometric enrolment for all new applicants, alongside a self-service digital platform that will allow beneficiaries to complete life certification remotely.
“Going forward, SASSA will progressively make the social grant review process available through self-service platforms to improve accessibility, efficiency, and convenience for beneficiaries,” Matlou said. The agency believes the reforms will not only reduce fraud and wastage, but also ensure long-term sustainability of South Africa’s social assistance programme — a lifeline for millions of households across the country
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