Significant Sassa Updates Scheduled for September

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JIMMY MOYAHA: The South African Social Security Agency, commonly referred to as Sassa, is set to implement significant changes starting 1 September, including a new biometric system.

We will also examine the implications for grant payments at the end of September, as it’s possible the Master Services Agreement [MSA] with Post Bank may not be renewed.

I’m joined by Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi to discuss this further. Paseka, it’s great to have you on the show….

Let’s begin with the biometrics topic. Initially, this was scheduled for rollout at the start of the financial year, and we’re already well into it. Can you share what has been happening behind the scenes and what both grant recipients and South Africans can expect from 1 September?

PASEKA LETSATSI: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. You’re correct in noting that we’re working on rolling out the biometric enrolment system. It’s important to clarify that we needed to conduct broader consultations with all stakeholders, especially labor, to clear up any confusion and agree on a forward process.

This biometric enrolment doesn’t require individuals to visit the office for re-registration. Instead, starting 1 September, anyone applying for a grant at a Sassa office will be required to identify themselves using the new advanced technology.

Additionally, Sassa employees will implement the same biometric verification when accessing the system.

Previously, they used passwords, which proved problematic. For instance, an employee could share their password with a colleague, and on a day when fraudulent applications were uploaded, the colleague could falsely claim they were on leave, dodging responsibility. We want to ensure that the individual accessing our system is authorized to do so.

JIMMY MOYAHA: Security is critical, especially as we’ve faced challenges with fraudulent payments in the past.

So moving forward with the biometrics on 1 September, are we saying that existing grant recipients who haven’t registered for biometrics won’t be compelled to enroll by a specific date?

Please elaborate on the rollout details for this initiative. You mentioned what will happen internally for employees and highlighted that new applicants will need to enroll. What about current grant recipients—is this a pilot program or a complete rollout?

PASEKA LETSATSI: This is a full-scale program intended to ensure that beneficiaries presenting themselves to apply at any Sassa office will undergo this process.

Additionally, we are performing verification processes on about 200,000 beneficiaries who we’ve flagged to present themselves at Sassa offices.

These flagged individuals are not just anyone who walks into a Sassa office. We are contacting them via letter or SMS instructing them to visit Sassa. If you haven’t received communication, please do not attempt to come to the office for biometrics or verification. We will reach out to you as necessary.

This will not impact individuals already in the system. New applicants from 1 September will undergo biometric verification when applying for grants. The benefit is that we will have live interaction with the Department of Home Affairs.

For example, if someone presents an ID and claims to be Paseka Letsatsi, we will verify their identity. We know that some people might tamper with their ID, which could lead to fraudulent applications. Our biometric process will authenticate that the person at the office is indeed the one making the grant application.

JIMMY MOYAHA: Paseka, let’s shift to another topic in the media concerning the Master Services Agreement with Post Bank. I understand there’s a committee briefing scheduled for tomorrow morning with the portfolio committee on social development. Can you share any insights regarding considerations around the decision to renew or not?

Currently, reports suggest that Sassa has decided not to renew their agreement with Post Bank at the end of September. What are the implications for grants, and where do we currently stand?

PASEKA LETSATSI: The Post Bank has clarified that social grant beneficiaries will not be adversely affected. However, Sassa has engaged with Post Bank, and we have not finalized any decision to terminate the MSA.

We are uncertain who spread that information or where it originated. When a five-year contract concludes, it’s standard to review it to determine whether to extend or terminate it. This is simply a normal contractual procedure.

There are ongoing discussions between Sassa and Post Bank.

From our perspective as an organization, we’re confident that the Post Bank is committed to ensuring that beneficiaries will not experience any issues with payments going forward.

JIMMY MOYAHA: As Sassa, do you have any concerns regarding the previous MSA? Like you mentioned, reviewing contracts at the end of a term is normal. Are there specific issues you want to address with Post Bank if renewal discussions occur?

PASEKA LETSATSI: When we engage on a contract, it’s natural to have areas for improvement, not necessarily due to negative experiences, but because some terms could be outdated. We want to reflect the new business landscape.

Moreover, it’s prudent for both Sassa and Post Bank to handle this matter privately, as public discussions can lead to misinterpretations about contract status. If there are clauses that need adjustments, I’m sure Post Bank will be receptive to these realities.

JIMMY MOYAHA: Given the passage of time since the initial agreement, it seems understandable to take these steps.

We’ll conclude the discussion here. Thank you, Paseka Letsatsi, spokesperson for the South African Social Security Agency, for providing insights into the new biometric system launching on 1 September and the developments regarding grant payments at the end of September.