Essential SASSA Updates Coming in September

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JIMMY MOYAHA: The South African Social Security Agency, known as Sassa, is poised to introduce notable changes starting on 1 September, including a new biometric system.

We will discuss the potential impacts on grant payments by the end of September, given the Master Services Agreement [MSA] with Post Bank may not be extended.

I’m joined by Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi for further discussion. Paseka, it’s a pleasure to have you on the show….

Let’s start with the biometric system. Initially, its rollout was scheduled for the beginning of the financial year, and we are already well into it. Can you provide insights on what has been happening behind the scenes and what grant recipients and South Africans can anticipate from 1 September?

PASEKA LETSATSI: Good afternoon, and thank you for the opportunity. You’re correct that we are working on implementing the biometric enrolment system. It’s vital to note that we needed to engage in broader consultations with all stakeholders, particularly labor, to clarify any misunderstandings and agree on a way forward.

This biometric enrolment doesn’t necessitate individuals to visit the office for re-registration. From 1 September, anyone applying for a grant at a Sassa office will need to verify their identity using the new advanced technology.

Additionally, Sassa employees will use the same biometric authentication when accessing the system.

In the past, they relied on passwords, which posed challenges. For instance, an employee could share their password with a colleague, who could falsely claim they were on leave during a day when fraudulent applications were processed. We aim to ensure that the individual accessing our system is genuinely authorized.

JIMMY MOYAHA: Security is vital, especially considering previous challenges with fraudulent payments.

As we move towards the biometrics implementation on 1 September, are we to understand that existing grant recipients who haven’t registered for biometrics won’t be mandated to do so by a certain date?

Could you give more details regarding this initiative’s rollout? You mentioned internal processes for employees and highlighted that new applicants will need to enroll. What about current grant recipients—is this a pilot or a complete implementation?

PASEKA LETSATSI: This is a comprehensive program aimed at ensuring that all beneficiaries applying in person at any Sassa office will undergo this process.

Additionally, we are conducting verification processes for approximately 200,000 beneficiaries flagged to visit Sassa offices.

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

This will not affect individuals already in the system. New applicants from 1 September will undergo biometric verification upon applying for grants. The advantage is that we will have real-time interaction with the Department of Home Affairs.

For instance, if someone presents an ID claiming to be Paseka Letsatsi, we will verify their identity. We understand that some individuals might manipulate their ID, which could lead to fraudulent applications. Our biometric process will ensure that the person present is indeed making the grant application.

JIMMY MOYAHA: Paseka, let’s turn our attention to another media topic regarding 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 provide insights regarding considerations around the decision to renew or not?

Current reports suggest that Sassa has decided not to extend its agreement with Post Bank at the end of September. What implications might this have for grants, and what is our current status?

PASEKA LETSATSI: The Post Bank has assured us that social grant beneficiaries will not be negatively impacted. However, Sassa is in discussions with Post Bank, and no final decision to terminate the MSA has been made.

We are unsure where that information originated. When a five-year contract concludes, it’s standard to assess whether to extend or terminate it. This is merely a standard contractual practice.

Discussions between Sassa and Post Bank are ongoing.

From our perspective, we are confident that the Post Bank is committed to ensuring that beneficiaries will not face any issues with payments moving forward.

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

PASEKA LETSATSI: When we review a contract, it’s normal to identify areas for improvement, not necessarily due to issues but because some terms may be outdated. We want to adapt to the new business environment.

Furthermore, it’s advisable for both Sassa and Post Bank to handle this matter privately, as public discourse can lead to misunderstandings regarding the status of the contract. If there are clauses needing modifications, I trust Post Bank will be open to these adjustments.

JIMMY MOYAHA: Given the time that has elapsed since the original agreement, it seems reasonable to take these steps.

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