SASSA enhances security measures for COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress system

THE South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has taken significant steps to bolster the security of its COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) system.

- SIPHO JACK

This move comes in the wake of allegations from two Stellenbosch University students in October 2024, who raised concerns regarding potential security vulnerabilities in the entity's online grant platform.

During a briefing with Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Social Development on Wednesday, Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, spoke about the agency's commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of public resources.

In a comprehensive presentation, the department's acting chief information officer, Jabulani Makondo, detailed the evolution of the COVID-19 SRD system since its inception in 2020.

Designed to provide urgent financial support during the pandemic, the system was established to manage the unprecedented demand through a digital solution that expanded SASSA's reach beyond traditional face-to-face methods.