Black Sash criticises SASSA’s review process

CIVIL society organisation, Black Sash, has slammed the South African Social Services Agency (SASSA) for its “unfair” review process, which has resulted in the flagging of more than 200 000 social grant beneficiaries who could lose out on their social grants.

- SIYABONGA SITHOLE

On Monday, SASSA CEO Themba Matlou revealed that his department has identified over 200 000 social grant beneficiaries who have failed to disclose their income accurately.

SASSA spokesperson, Paseka Letsatsi, stated that some of the recipients have deliberately falsified their documents.

Matlou warned grant recipients to come clean about additional income or risk losing their support, saying the ongoing process is part of a legal requirement under Section 14(5) of the Social Assistance Act, which obliges beneficiaries to notify SASSA of any significant changes in their financial or personal circumstances.

In April 2025, the agency announced scheduled payment delays for targeted social grant beneficiaries who are required to visit local offices to confirm changes in their financial circumstances and update personal details.

“This step was taken following collaboration with registered Credit Bureaus, which flagged approximately 210 000 beneficiaries as receiving income that had not been truthfully disclosed,” he said.