SASSA cracks down on illegal sale of queue spots at offices

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has condemned the illegal sale of queue positions at its offices, calling it exploitative and unlawful, and says action will be taken against those involved.

In a media statement issued on 16 April 2026, SASSA confirmed that reports of people selling places in queues have been received across the country. CEO Themba Matlou described the practice as a “serious exploitation” of vulnerable people who depend on social grants to survive.

He said elderly people, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups are being targeted, which the agency finds “extremely disheartening.” SASSA has committed to working with law enforcement to address the issue and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

Matlou also warned that any SASSA officials found to have enabled or ignored the practice could face consequences, stating the agency would not tolerate wrongdoing happening “at the doorsteps of our offices.”

At the same time, SASSA acknowledged ongoing service delivery challenges at some of its offices. These include long queues and system inefficiencies, which may be contributing to the environment where such illegal activities occur. The agency says it is working to improve queue management systems to ensure fair and orderly access, especially for priority groups.

To reduce pressure at physical offices, SASSA is encouraging beneficiaries to use its online self-service platforms, including the eLife Certification system. Clients who are notified to verify their details are urged to do so online instead of travelling to offices, which can reduce both waiting times and transport costs.

For many people in the Eastern Cape, where long travel distances and limited transport already make accessing SASSA services difficult, the emergence of queue-selling adds another layer of hardship. It means some residents may feel forced to pay just to access basic services they are entitled to for free.

It is not yet clear how widespread the practice is in Eastern Cape offices, including areas like Lusikisiki, Bizana, or Flagstaff. This has not been confirmed.

SASSA says it is strengthening security systems and reinforcing internal controls as part of its response. The agency also reiterated its long-term commitment to improving service delivery as it marks 20 years of providing social assistance.

Beneficiaries are urged not to pay for queue positions and to report any such incidents to authorities or SASSA officials.

We will update this story as more information becomes available or if local cases in the Eastern Cape are confirmed.