By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has clarified the agency’s ongoing social grant review process, following public concern and confusion about the status of payments to beneficiaries.
SASSA CEO Themba Matlou briefed the media about social grants reviews on targeted beneficiaries.
The review kicked off in April 2025 after SASSA teamed up with credit bureaus to check records.
Around 210,000 people were flagged for possible hidden income, leading to calls for them to update their info at local offices.
He emphasised that while no grants have been suspended yet, the agency will not hesitate to lapse grants for beneficiaries who ignore review notices.
Matlou explained that Sassa is legally required to provide beneficiaries with three months’ notice before suspending their grants.
However, those who fail to respond to review notices face the prospect of having their grants lapse permanently.
“We’ll have to lapse the grant because it could be that some of them are either potential fraudulent cases, some of them don’t deserve to get it,” Matlou said.
He emphasised that the review process is essential for maintaining the integrity of the social assistance system, particularly as the agency works with other institutions to identify beneficiaries who may no longer qualify for grants.
Matlou’s called on those who have not been paid to approach their nearest branch office, as the law doesn’t allow the agency to suspend payment immediately.
“SASSA would like to categorically state that no social grant payments have been suspended or halted. All approved grants remain valid, and payments continue to be processed. Any beneficiary with an active and valid grant remains entitled to receive their payment.”
The review of social grants helps identify beneficiaries who may no longer qualify due to changes in their financial, medical, or legal circumstances and serves as a confirmation of life or existence, ensuring that grants are not paid out to deceased individuals or those who have relocated without updating their records.
Matlou took over as CEO in June 2025, after acting in the role since December 2024.
With over 25 years in public service and 13 at SASSA, he has led regions like Limpopo, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal.
Meanwhile civil society group Black Sash says the agency’s approach lacks transparency and fairness, Advocacy manager Hoodah Abrahams-Fayker said.