Black Sash raises concerns about SASSA's biometric enrolment for grant beneficiaries

BLACK Sash has welcomed efforts to curb fraud in the social grant system but raised serious concerns about the South African Social Security Agency’s (SASSA) readiness to roll out mandatory biometric enrolment, which came into effect yesterday.

- SIPHESIHLE BUTHELEZI

“Black Sash welcomes any medium that would help reduce fraud and ensure the integrity of the social grant payment system. However, we are concerned as to whether SASSA has the necessary infrastructure and capacity to take on this mammoth task,’ said Black Sash national advocacy manager, Evashnee Naidu.

She warned that the measures could burden beneficiaries if not properly planned.

“The announcement that this could also impact beneficiaries who have already been approved but have not completed biometric verification is another cause for concern, as we have witnessed the challenges SASSA is currently experiencing with the ongoing reviews that they are conducting. These measures, if not implemented with a proper plan, will place a burden on social grant beneficiaries and force them to bear the cost of this”

Naidu highlighted access as the “greatest concern” for grant recipients.