Sassa Rolls Out Biometric Enrolment to Curb Grant Fraud – What Beneficiaries Need to Know

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The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) is set to launch its new Beneficiary Biometric Enrolment system on September 1st, with around 80% of offices nationwide expected to implement the technology.

The system is designed to curb fraud, prevent identity theft, and strengthen the integrity of South Africa’s grant system, which supports millions of vulnerable citizens.

Only New Applicants Affected

According to Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi, the system will apply only to new applicants who visit offices to register for a grant. Existing beneficiaries will not need to re-enrol or submit their biometrics.

“We are simply saying to all Sassa beneficiaries who have been getting their grants: they must not come to a Sassa office to do biometrics. They will get their money, they are safe,” Letsatsi stressed.

The biometric system will use fingerprint verification to confirm applicants’ identities against the Department of Home Affairs database. This measure is intended to prevent cases where fraudsters use stolen or altered identity documents to access grants illegally.

Addressing Confusion and Disinformation

Concerns had surfaced on social media that all beneficiaries would be required to re-register. Letsatsi dismissed this as misinformation, saying:

“Nobody who is already part of Sassa must wake up tomorrow and think they need to come in for biometric enrolment. It is only for new applicants.”

System Readiness and Pilot Testing

Sassa has faced criticism in the past for long queues and system delays during major rollouts. Letsatsi assured the public that this time, the biometric project had been piloted in four provinces to ensure smoother implementation.

“We think the system will work. It has been tested, and we are not starting as a ‘big bang’ rollout,” he said.

For people who may struggle with fingerprint verification – such as those with worn or damaged prints – Sassa has put special measures in place to ensure they are not excluded.

Parallel Work: Income Verification

The biometric rollout comes alongside another Sassa initiative: verifying the incomes of over 200,000 grant recipients suspected of being ineligible. While some beneficiaries have already come forward voluntarily, Letsatsi urged others to respond only if directly contacted by Sassa.

“Please wait for a letter or SMS from us before coming forward. Don’t just show up because of rumours,” he cautioned.

Safeguarding Public Funds

Letsatsi acknowledged that implementing multiple reforms at once may cause some upheaval but insisted it is necessary to protect the integrity of the grant system.

“We don’t have a choice. We must make sure that those who are in the system are deserving. This is about saving public funds and ensuring that grants reach the correct people,” he said.

Key Takeaway for Beneficiaries

• Current beneficiaries: Do not go to Sassa offices. Your payments are safe.
• New applicants from Sept 1: You must submit biometrics (fingerprint verification) as part of your application.
• Income verification: Only respond if Sassa directly contacts you.

Sassa says the move is a crucial step in modernising South Africa’s social welfare system while safeguarding billions in taxpayer funds.