Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read | 27 August 2025 | 15:35 CAT

📸 From 1 Sept, SASSA rolls out biometric checks (fingerprints & face ID) to stop fraud and pay the right people.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is set to implement a new Beneficiary Biometric Enrollment System at all its offices starting 1 September 2025, in a bid to strengthen security and eliminate fraud in the country’s grant distribution network.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, SASSA’s Andile Thsona said the move is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure that “we pay the right social grant to the right person.” He explained that fraudulent activities – both internal and external – have plagued the system, with instances of identity theft and so-called “ghost beneficiaries” drawing public concern.

“This will assist us in a long way to ensure that we ascertain that the person that we are paying a grant is actually the deserving and correct beneficiary going forward,” said Thsona.

The system will use fingerprint verification as well as facial recognition, in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs. This cross-check aims to close loopholes, particularly around manipulated or outdated green ID books. Beneficiaries are being encouraged to use the newer smart ID cards, which are considered more secure.

Implementation will take place in phases. From September, all new grant applicants will be required to undergo biometric verification. Existing beneficiaries will only need to provide biometric data when updating personal information, such as a change of address, or during the routine review of grants.

“We don’t expect on the 1st of September to have all our beneficiaries going to SASSA offices. It won’t work like that,” Thsona clarified.

The system will focus on adults, particularly applicants for child support grants, while children’s details will continue to be verified through birth certificates.

Thsona stressed that SASSA offices are ready to handle the new technology. The system has already been piloted in select provinces, and officials are currently undergoing training to assist beneficiaries. Infrastructure upgrades are also being rolled out across SASSA branches.

“We have really prepared for this initiative to be as effective as it can be. By September, it’s all systems go,” he confirmed.

With over 18 million South Africans dependent on grants ranging from old age pensions to disability and child support grants, the biometric rollout marks a significant shift in strengthening accountability and efficiency in the country’s welfare system.