New Digital Era: Sassa Introduces Mandatory Biometrics for All New Social Grant Applicants

Sassa to Roll Out Mandatory Biometrics for New Social Grant Applicants

The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has announced that mandatory biometric enrolment for all new social grant applications will come into effect from 1 September 2025.

The move is aimed at tightening security and curbing widespread fraud in the country’s R250 billion social assistance programme.

The Beneficiary Biometric Enrolment system, set to be introduced at all Sassa offices nationwide, will require new applicants to provide either fingerprint or facial recognition data during the application process.

Also Read: SASSA Denies Role in Unauthorised Old-Age Grant Deductions

“A New Digital Era” for Social Grants

Sassa described the initiative as a crucial step toward strengthening the integrity of the grant system.

“The biometric enrolment is set to be a precursor to detect and nip in the bud any potentially fraudulent activities in Sassa’s grant system,” the agency said.

The system is expected to:

Significantly reduce fraudulent applications and duplicate payments.
Verify beneficiary authenticity and provide proof of life.
Minimise inclusion errors.
Streamline documentation processes.
Enhance audit outcomes and strengthen record integrity.
Improve public trust in the social grants programme.

Sassa to Roll Out Mandatory Biometrics for New Social Grant Applicants (Image Credit: Groundup)

CEO Matlou Confirms Implementation

Sassa CEO Themba Matlou welcomed the long-awaited rollout after delays caused by negotiations with organised labour.

“Our plans were to commence with biometric enrolment at the beginning of the 2025/2026 financial year; however, we hit a snag, but we have ironed out the issues that delayed our plans, and it is all systems go for the implementation,” Matlou said.

From 1 September, all new applications captured and approved will require biometric data through electronic Know Your Client (eKYC) systems.

Any applications without biometric enrolment will be placed under review, with applicants notified to submit their biometrics.

Stronger Measures Against Fraud

According to Sassa, the new technology will bolster its ability to detect fraudulent applications, particularly those involving forged identity documents that frontline staff struggle to identify.

The agency reiterated that it would take decisive action against officials found colluding with fraudsters.

“This initiative will ensure the enhancement of risk controls, contributing to a more secure and accountable grants system, whilst ascertaining that social grant recipients are living individuals at the time of application,” Sassa said.

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