The Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, says government is working to improve infrastructure at some South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offices.
The update was presented to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development during a virtual briefing on 11 March 2026. The briefing followed oversight visits to several SASSA offices in KwaZulu-Natal in October 2025 that identified infrastructure and service delivery concerns.
What happened
Tolashe, joined by Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks and SASSA CEO Themba Matlou, outlined measures aimed at improving facilities where social grants are administered.
The committee had recommended that the Department of Social Development explore legislative or policy mechanisms allowing SASSA to build its own offices where vacant land is available. Currently, office accommodation for the agency is managed by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
According to the minister, this arrangement was designed to coordinate government property management. However, procurement delays, occupational health and safety concerns and infrastructure challenges have affected some offices.
Official response
Tolashe told the committee that SASSA services must operate from safe, accessible and compliant facilities.
“When a SASSA office cannot operate effectively, it is the poorest and most vulnerable members of our society who suffer,” she said.
She added that the department is reviewing property arrangements, strengthening infrastructure planning and improving coordination with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the National Development Agency, municipalities and traditional leaders.
Community impact
Many beneficiaries depend on SASSA offices to access social grants, including older persons, people with disabilities and families relying on grants as their main source of income.
Officials said poor infrastructure can affect service delivery and public confidence in the system.
SASSA CEO Themba Matlou told the committee that progress has already been made in KwaZulu-Natal. Approvals have been granted for offices in the Pietermaritzburg district, Pongola, Mooi River, Ixopo, the Durban regional office, uMzimkhulu, Mandeni and Verulam.
What happens next
Matlou said some offices, including Pongola, Pietermaritzburg districts and Verulam, have already been advertised.
Funding for offices in uMzimkhulu, Ixopo, Mooi River and Mandeni is expected to be finalised during the 2026/2027 financial year.
In addition, R14 million has been set aside in the 2026/2027 financial year to assess the condition of SASSA office accommodation across the country to inform future infrastructure and maintenance planning.
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