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IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Social Development Minister to probe alleged grant fraud in Breede Valley
Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe. Image: Picture: Henk Kruger / Independent Newspapers SOCIAL Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe is set to probe a fraudulent scheme in which hundreds of Worcester and Rawsonville residents, mostly 18-year-olds, were allegedly unknowingly registered for a R370 monthly poverty grant but never received any payments. The alarm was raised by GOOD councillors in the Breede Valley Municipality who uncovered the alleged fraud while working with community activists on a programme to help destitute residents apply for the South African Social Security Agency's (Sassa) Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD). 'GOOD submitted a complaint to Sassa and the Hawks together with a dossier of 34 separate affidavits from victims of the scheme and a list detailing more than 300 additional victims. 'In its submission to Sassa and the Hawks, the GOOD Party suggests that the fraud is being committed by an individual or individuals with access to information about recipients of Child Support Grants. The modus operandi appears to use the ID numbers of children when they turn 18, and no longer qualify for the child grant, to apply for the SRD grant. The scale of the fraud is impossible for GOOD to determine. GOOD only became aware of it because its Councillors and party activists were working with the community in the Breede Valley region. The same type of fraud could be occurring across the province or the country,' GOOD secretary-general and MPL, Brett Herron said. The pattern they picked up showed that where hundreds of applicants should qualify for the grant, many of whom recently turned 18-years-old, they had their applications declined on the basis that their ID numbers were already linked to the grant. In other words, according to Sassa's system, they are already receiving the grant. According to the applicants, they have never applied for or received the grant. Many report in their affidavits that telephone numbers on Sassa's system linked to their ID numbers don't belong to them. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 'While the investigation may take some time, GOOD calls on Sassa to make urgent interim arrangements to ensure that people qualifying for grants are not denied them due to Sassa systemic weaknesses.' Sassa did not respond to several requests for comment on the matter. Sandi Mbatsha, spokesperson to Tolashe confirmed she would look into the matter. The Hawks said they were assessing the case. Hawks spokesperson, Siyabulela Vukubi said: 'The Hawks are aware of the matter but still need to ascertain if this falls with our mandate. At this stage there is nothing to report.' Last year, Stellenbosch University students uncovered a similar trend: a survey of 60 students found that 58 had active SRD grant applications in Sassa's system, yet 56 said they had never applied, suggesting widespread fraud. The students also analysed data from Sassa's public portal and found nearly 75 000 applications for people born in February 2005, despite StatsSA showing only about 82 000 births that month, which pointed to a suspicious 91% application rate. Further analysis revealed that while the average application rate from those born between 1960 to 2006 was 52%, it jumped to 90% for those born between 2002 and 2006, the age group turning 18 since the grant was introduced in 2020. It raised concerns not only about who was receiving the money, but also about eligible individuals potentially being excluded from the support they need. Tolashe earlier this year said a full investigation would be launched into vulnerabilities across all social grants, after irregularities were uncovered in the SRD system. Tolashe did not respond to further requests for comment on the status of the investigation and what measures have been implemented to curb the incidents. Cape Times
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
SASSA puts concerns to rest: Grants continue throughout review period
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has assured beneficiaries that no social grants have been suspended amid ongoing eligibility reviews currently underway. SASSA confirmed that while some grants may experience momentary delays during the review process, this does not amount to a suspension. The review aims to confirm eligibility, prevent fraudulent claims, and ensure public funds are used responsibly. 'This review is not a punitive measure to deliberately exclude any deserving beneficiary,' said SASSA CEO Themba Matlou. 'It is intended to ensure continued eligibility and prevent misuse of public funds.' Why the review is happening The review process helps SASSA: Confirm changes in beneficiaries' financial, medical, or legal circumstances. Prevent grants from being paid to deceased individuals or those who have relocated without updating records. Detect cases where individuals receive grants while appearing on other payroll systems. Matlou reminded beneficiaries of their legal obligation to disclose all sources of income during their initial application and to report any changes in financial circumstances. Failure to do so may lead to corrective action. What affected beneficiaries should do Beneficiaries affected by the review process are urged to visit their nearest SASSA office with the following documents: Valid SA ID (green barcoded ID or smart ID card). Proof of income (e.g., payslips, pension slips, or affidavits if unemployed). Bank statements for the last three months for all active accounts. Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill). Medical referral report (if applicable). Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable). Death certificate (if applicable). Relevant documents for the grant type (e.g., birth certificates for Child Support Grants). If a beneficiary is bedridden, a procurator can be appointed to represent them. Contact your local SASSA office for assistance in appointing one. SASSA has urged beneficiaries to comply with review requests promptly. Failing to respond to official communication may result in delays in payments, suspension or lapsing of grants, and possible legal action. SASSA is working to automate the review process by introducing online self-service platforms to ease the burden on local offices and reduce queues. Updated asset and income thresholds As of 1 April 2025: Older persons, disability, and war veterans' grants: Single asset threshold: R1,524,600 Married asset threshold: R3,049,200 Annual income limit: R107,880 (single), R215,760 (married) Child Support Grant: Annual income limit: R67,200 (single), R134,400 (married) Care Dependency Grant: Annual income limit: R277,200 (married) Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress: R624 monthly means test remains applicable. For more information, beneficiaries are encouraged to visit their nearest SASSA office or visit At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
SASSA confirms no grant suspensions amid ongoing eligibility reviews
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has assured beneficiaries that no social grants have been suspended amid ongoing eligibility reviews currently underway. SASSA confirmed that while some grants may experience momentary delays during the review process, this does not amount to a suspension. The review aims to confirm eligibility, prevent fraudulent claims, and ensure public funds are used responsibly. 'This review is not a punitive measure to deliberately exclude any deserving beneficiary,' said SASSA CEO Themba Matlou. 'It is intended to ensure continued eligibility and prevent misuse of public funds.' Why the review is happening The review process helps SASSA: Confirm changes in beneficiaries' financial, medical, or legal circumstances. Prevent grants from being paid to deceased individuals or those who have relocated without updating records. Detect cases where individuals receive grants while appearing on other payroll systems. Matlou reminded beneficiaries of their legal obligation to disclose all sources of income during their initial application and to report any changes in financial circumstances. Failure to do so may lead to corrective action. What affected beneficiaries should do Beneficiaries affected by the review process are urged to visit their nearest SASSA office with the following documents: Valid SA ID (green barcoded ID or smart ID card). Proof of income (e.g., payslips, pension slips, or affidavits if unemployed). Bank statements for the last three months for all active accounts. Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill). Medical referral report (if applicable). Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable). Death certificate (if applicable). Relevant documents for the grant type (e.g., birth certificates for Child Support Grants). If a beneficiary is bedridden, a procurator can be appointed to represent them. Contact your local SASSA office for assistance in appointing one. SASSA has urged beneficiaries to comply with review requests promptly. Failing to respond to official communication may result in delays in payments, suspension or lapsing of grants, and possible legal action. SASSA is working to automate the review process by introducing online self-service platforms to ease the burden on local offices and reduce queues. Updated asset and income thresholds As of 1 April 2025: Older persons, disability, and war veterans' grants: Single asset threshold: R1,524,600 Married asset threshold: R3,049,200 Annual income limit: R107,880 (single), R215,760 (married) Child Support Grant: Annual income limit: R67,200 (single), R134,400 (married) Care Dependency Grant: Annual income limit: R277,200 (married) Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress: R624 monthly means test remains applicable. For more information, beneficiaries are encouraged to visit their nearest SASSA office or visit At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Sassa clears the air: Grant payments continue during reviews
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has assured beneficiaries that no social grants have been suspended amid ongoing eligibility reviews currently underway. Kempton Express reports that Sassa confirmed that while some grants may experience momentary delays during the review process, this does not amount to a suspension. The review aims to confirm eligibility, prevent fraudulent claims and ensure public funds are used responsibly. 'This review is not a punitive measure to deliberately exclude any deserving beneficiary,' says Sassa CEO Themba Matlou. 'It is intended to ensure continued eligibility and prevent misuse of public funds.' Why the review is happening The review process helps SASSA: Confirm changes in beneficiaries' financial, medical or legal circumstances Prevent grants from being paid to deceased individuals or those who have relocated without updating records Detect cases where individuals receive grants while appearing on other payroll systems. Matlou says beneficiaries have a legal obligation to disclose all sources of income during their initial application and to report any changes in their financial circumstances. Failure to do so may lead to corrective action. What should affected beneficiaries do? Beneficiaries affected by the review process are urged to visit their nearest Sassa office with the following documents: Valid SA ID (green barcoded ID or smart ID card) Proof of income (eg, payslips, pension slips or affidavits if unemployed) Bank statements for the past three months for all active accounts Proof of residence (eg, utility bill) Medical referral report (if applicable) Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable) Relevant documents for the grant type (eg, birth certificates for Child Support Grants). If a beneficiary is bedridden, a procurator can be appointed to represent them. Contact your local Sassa office for assistance in appointing one. Sassa has urged beneficiaries to comply with review requests promptly. Failing to respond to official communication may result in delays in payments, suspension or lapsing of grants, and possible legal action. Sassa is working to automate the review process by introducing online self-service platforms to ease the burden on local offices and reduce queues. Updated asset and income thresholds as of April 1 Older persons, disability, and war veterans' grants: Single asset threshold: R1 524 600 Married asset threshold: R3 049 200 Annual income limit: R107 880 (single), R215 760 (married) Child Support Grant: Annual income limit: R67 200 (single), R134 400 (married) Care Dependency Grant: Annual income limit: R277 200 (married) Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant: R624 monthly means test remains applicable. For more information, beneficiaries are encouraged to visit their nearest Sassa office or visit Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
