The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) stated it is on track to save more than R341-million in the next financial year after thousands of social grants were discontinued following extensive eligibility reviews. This update was presented to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development last week, where SASSA and the Department of Social Development (DSD) outlined progress in tightening controls within the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant system.
SASSA spokesperson Andile Tshona told VOC News that recent investigations and reviews have already yielded significant results.
“We were in Parliament last week to update the Portfolio Committee on the progress around the issues of reviews as well as the investigations around the COVID-19 SRD,” he said. “In the last two quarters of this financial year, from April up until September, the report we gave to National Treasury showed that the reviews we were expected to undertake and are still continuing to undertake have given us really good results.”
According to Tshona, the strengthened verification processes have led to the lapsing or suspension of “more than 34,000 grants,” ensuring that assistance reaches only those who qualify.
SASSA said ongoing reviews and system improvements are essential to reducing fraud, strengthening accountability, and safeguarding public funds.
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
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