SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) CEO Themba Matlou has moved to clarify the agency’s ongoing social grant review process, following public concern and confusion about the status of payments to beneficiaries.
Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Matlou reiterated that no social grants have been suspended or cancelled. “All approved grants remain valid, and payments continue to be processed,” he said. The agency confirmed that a fourth payment date had been introduced to accommodate beneficiaries undergoing review, ensuring their payments were not disrupted while verification was under way.
The review process, according to Sassa, was a legal requirement under section 14(5) of the Social Assistance Act and Regulation 30. It obliges beneficiaries to report any material change in their financial or personal circumstances. Matlou stated the reviews were targeted and based on information indicating that some beneficiaries may no longer meet the eligibility criteria.
Sassa has flagged a group of beneficiaries whose income declarations may not align with data obtained from registered credit bureaus. “A client may declare unemployment to Sassa, but present proof of income to a financial institution when applying for credit,” Matlou explained. He said the agency now had access to such data and is using it to verify compliance.
The agency emphasised that the review process was not punitive. “This is not about excluding deserving beneficiaries,” Matlou said. “It is about ensuring that public funds are directed to those who need them most.” He added the process also helped to prevent fraud, detect deceased beneficiaries and update contact information to improve communication.
Sassa acknowledged challenges in office accessibility and communication. Matlou said the agency had sent over 140,000 SMS notifications and registered letters to affected individuals, but noted many beneficiaries had not updated their contact details. He urged those affected to visit their nearest Sassa office and confirmed that additional capacity and extended hours were being implemented to manage increased foot traffic.
The agency is also working to automate the review process through online self-service platforms. Matlou said that that would reduce queues and improve efficiency. He reaffirmed Sassa’s commitment to transparency and compliance with the Treasury’s conditions, which required cost-saving measures and enhanced oversight as part of the 2025/26 budget allocation.
Matlou concluded by assuring the public that Sassa remained committed to protecting the rights of beneficiaries and maintaining the integrity of the social assistance system.
“No-one who qualifies will be unfairly penalised,” he said.
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