Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
03 July 2025 | 18:16 CAT

📷 SASSA cracks down on grant fraud with nationwide beneficiary reviews — recipients urged to update details and verify eligibility to avoid delays or suspensions.

South Africa’s Social Security Agency (SASSA) has launched an intensified national review campaign to curb abuse of the social grant system, following concerns about beneficiaries concealing alternative sources of income.

According to Sandy Gondwana, SASSA’s spokesperson, the agency is “not trying to punish,” but rather protect public funds. “It’s illegal to hide income and collect grants,” Gondwana said, urging affected individuals to present themselves at local offices to confirm eligibility. While no grants have been suspended yet, delayed payments are already affecting many.

Gondwana explained that the review process is part of SASSA’s standard operating procedures. “It’s an annual compliance process,” she noted. Beneficiaries whose account activity shows income above grant thresholds, such as the R5,000 limit for child support, are flagged. “We work closely with banks. Once we have your ID, we can verify if funds are being deposited,” she said.

Concerns have emerged around delayed communication. Some grant recipients claim they weren’t informed of the review. In response, SASSA has expanded its outreach using media, posters, and in-person initiatives. “We’re sharing this information via radio, print, social media, and through our ICROP outreach programme,” Gondwana confirmed. “We also rely on family members to spread the word.”

One of the pressing issues is the use of outdated contact details. Beneficiaries are urged to update their information to avoid missing crucial notices. “When people apply, we tell them to notify us if they change addresses or phone numbers. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen,” Gondwana admitted.

Adding to the challenges is the continued use of green barcoded ID books, which are increasingly linked to fraud. Gondwana explained that in high-risk areas, “we’ve seen tampering with ID photos and grant applications made using stolen identities.” SASSA is now encouraging a shift to smart ID cards, citing their stronger security features. “It protects us all,” she said.

The agency maintains that the intention behind the reviews is not punitive. “We’re making sure the right person gets the right grant,” Gondwana reiterated.

As the review process unfolds, SASSA urges beneficiaries to cooperate, bring the required documentation to local offices, and remain alert to official communication channels. Failure to comply could result in suspension or, in severe cases, permanent grant termination.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Sandy Gondwana, SASSA’s spokesperson.