Image Source: SABC News
Local – The South African Social Security Agency has introduced biometric verification for grant beneficiaries to ensure payments reach legitimate recipients, according to SASSA Communication Senior Manager, Andile Tshona.
With approximately 25 million South Africans relying on social grants, SASSA has opened walk-in biometric assistance at local offices to help beneficiaries without data, smartphones, or computers complete the verification process. The initiative targets fraud prevention and identity theft within the social security system.
Tshona explained that biometric enrollment applies only to three groups: first-time grant applicants, those undergoing review, and beneficiaries suspected of receiving additional income while claiming grants.
The system uses fingerprint and facial recognition technology, linked directly to the Department of Home Affairs database, to verify identities in real time. This integrated approach allows SASSA to confirm whether applicants are who they claim to be instantly.
“With the biometrics, we do the fingerprint, and we also do the facial recognition, and our system is linked to the system at home affairs.”
“If you come to our office and then we have to put you through a scanner, your fingerprint automatically will be picked up by Home Affairs, that this person who is coming to apply for a grant is indeed Leona, is indeed the person they are,” Tshona said.
Review Process Focuses on Means Testing
For beneficiaries undergoing review, Tshona clarified that biometric verification is secondary to means testing. The agency primarily assesses whether recipients still qualify for grants based on their financial circumstances, particularly if additional income has been detected.
Those called in for review must provide bank statements and explain any unreported income sources. Failure to update SASSA about changed circumstances can affect grant eligibility.
“The issue of biometrics, they don’t affect you that much if you’re coming for a review. But what if you’re coming for a review, what really affects you is whether you still qualify to receive a grant or not,” he explained.
SASSA Debunks Social Media Misinformation
Tshona addressed social media rumours about eligibility changes to the COVID-19 SRD grant, particularly regarding refugees and asylum seekers.
He emphasised that SASSA lacks the authority to amend regulations independently, such powers rest solely with the Minister of Social Development.
The agency issued a statement last week debunking claims that new special permits would entitle refugees and asylum seekers to access grants. Tshona called the information false and said it was designed to create unnecessary panic.
“SASSA has not amended any regulations. And by the way, SASSA has no power to amend any regulations. SASSA, we are just specifically grants, the regulations they get amended as and when by the Minister of Social Development and that has not happened,” he stated.
