The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has removed more than 400,000 ineligible beneficiaries from its system over the past year as part of an intensified fraud clampdown.
The clean-up operation targeted so-called “ghost” recipients and individuals unlawfully claiming multiple grants, particularly within child support and foster care programmes. The initiative has resulted in monthly savings of approximately R44 million.
SASSA CEO Themba Matlou briefed Parliament on the developments, outlining a broader transformation strategy aimed at improving efficiency and strengthening oversight across the agency.
SASSA Fraud Crackdown Targets Ghost Beneficiaries And Double Claims
The agency’s efforts have focused on identifying fraudulent entries and eliminating duplicate claims that drain public resources. By tightening verification processes and cross-checking beneficiary data, SASSA has significantly reduced irregular payouts.
Matlou said the intervention is part of a wider commitment to ensure that social grants reach only those who meet the eligibility criteria.
The removal of ineligible recipients is expected to improve the sustainability of the system while safeguarding funds for legitimate beneficiaries.
Digital Overhaul To Modernise SASSA Grant System And Improve Access
Alongside its fraud prevention measures, SASSA is undertaking a sweeping digital transformation designed to streamline services and enhance user experience.
Matlou told Parliament that the agency is moving towards a system comparable to that of a commercial bank, with electronic applications and digital queue management tools replacing traditional manual processes.
The shift aims to eliminate long queues at service offices and reduce administrative delays. According to the agency, around 70% of its records have already been digitised, marking significant progress towards a fully paperless system.
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While acknowledging that the overhaul will take time, Matlou emphasised that improved efficiency and accuracy are critical to ensuring that support is delivered fairly and effectively.
