The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is aiming to save the state an estimated R1.5 billion this financial year by intensifying social grant reviews, while simultaneously rolling out measures to reduce long queues and improve services for millions of beneficiaries.
Speaking during a media briefing, Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe acknowledged growing public frustration over lengthy waiting times at SASSA offices, saying restoring dignity to grant beneficiaries would be one of her immediate priorities.
“I have received complaints regarding our people standing in long queues in most of our offices and had to step in urgently to understand the cause and seek immediate intervention to bring back dignity and respect,” she said.
The announcement comes as SASSA marks its 20th anniversary, having grown from administering grants to just over 10 million beneficiaries in 2006 to paying nearly 19 million social grants every month.
Tolashe said while social grants remain a critical lifeline for millions of vulnerable South Africans, government has a responsibility to ensure the system remains sustainable and that only qualifying beneficiaries continue receiving assistance.
