SASSA CEO addresses alleged grant suspension, sends message to beneficiaries — see media briefing in detail

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) held a media briefing today to address growing concerns surrounding social grants, following mounting complaints from some beneficiaries.

The session highlighted key issues affecting grant payments, eligibility, and ongoing system improvements aimed at ensuring smoother service delivery.

Here’s what key SASSA executives said at the briefing:

Themba Matlou, SASSA CEO

It gives me a great pleasure and privilege to address the media and social grant beneficiaries in the middle of an important social grant review process that SASSA is undertaking. The Agency has noted with concern the recent public outcry and confusion regarding social grant payments. We appreciate the importance of social grants to millions of South Africans and wish to take this opportunity to clarify the situation.

Section 14(5) of the Social Assistance Act requires beneficiaries to notify SASSA of any material change in their circumstances, including financial, marital as soon as reasonably possible. This obligation is also stated in the approval letter each beneficiary receives. SASSA conducts regular reviews as required by Regulation 30 of the Social Assistance Act. These reviews are essential to ensure that every person receiving a social grant remains eligible based on their current circumstances.

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. Reviews allow SASSA to detect and prevent cases where individuals continue receiving grants despite being listed on payroll systems of other entities (public or private).

This is being done to safeguard the integrity of the social assistance system to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries receive support, preventing fraud and misuse of public funds. 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.

The Social Assistance Act and its regulations, places an obligation on the beneficiaries as a legal requirement to fully disclose all sources of income during their initial application and well as other personal details. Beneficiaries are also obliged to inform SASSA of any changes to their financial circumstances after their application has been approved.

SASSA is fully committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement of the social grant system. We take our responsibility seriously to serve the most vulnerable in our society and will work harder to ensure that no beneficiary is left confused or disadvantaged.

"SASSA remains committed to protecting the right and dignity of each beneficiary by ensuring that no one who qualifies is unfairly penalized. Our efforts are directed at preserving the social assistance system for those who genuinely need it."- Themba Matlou, SASSA CEO

— SASSA (@OfficialSASSA) July 14, 2025

SASSA remains committed to protecting the right and dignity of each beneficiary by ensuring that no one who qualifies is unfairly penalized. Our efforts are directed at preserving the social assistance system for those who genuinely need it.

We’ve never suspended a social grant where an applicant has been verified. If there are cases like that, we can follow up on what had transpired. We’re working around the clock to activate the online application system for the benefit of our clients.

The worst that can happen to a beneficiary who doesn’t come for verification is that their social grant might be suspended. We will however keep sending out reminders to those who have not come forth. We’re also working with community leaders, especially in deep rural areas whenever there’s a case where a client has challenges with data etc. Above that we do have community outreach programmes where services are taken to various areas and challenges connected to social grants are addressed.

Mr. Brenton Van Vrede (SASSA Executive Manager Grant Administration)

If the mother of the child receives child maintenance from the father or an Older Person’s grant beneficiary receives some sort of support from their child/children, it is unlikely to suspend the grant. If so, they’ll need to alert SASSA for assessment.

“If the mother of the child receives child maintenance from the father or an Older Person’s grant beneficiary receives some sort of support from their child/children, it is unlikely to suspend the grant. If so, they’ll need to alert SASSA for assessment.” Mr. Brenton Van Vrede… pic.twitter.com/9SdikTKx9c

— SASSA (@OfficialSASSA) July 14, 2025

It is important to note that with the reviews, we’re not targeting the most vulnerable but those that have multiple sources of income.

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