The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Chief Executive Officer, Themba Matlou, has urged executives and senior managers to join frontline staff in assisting beneficiaries during the August payment cycle.
The appeal comes as SASSA prepares for a significant round of social grant reviews across its nine regions, aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the system and ensuring beneficiaries are not inconvenienced when they present themselves at local offices.
“We want everyone, especially at the senior level, to get their hands dirty and be on the ground to assist our important clients,” Matlou said. “No one should leave our offices without help or be burdened with back and forth.”
Executives called to assist at local offices
Matlou said the Agency’s top officials must be visible throughout the payment period to support beneficiaries and ensure that enquiries, including those about the fourth payment date, are handled promptly.
“The ongoing social grants reviews have put a spotlight on us as an organisation and tested our capacity,” he said. “We want to make sure that we leave no room for tardiness at the expense of the vulnerable.”
Reviews strengthen system integrity
Matlou stressed the importance of the reviews, calling them an essential tool to protect government funds and reduce fraudulent activities.
He reassured beneficiaries that the process is routine and should not cause alarm. “Updating personal details during reviews will make future communication and assistance easier,” he added.
Documents required for the review
SASSA urged affected beneficiaries to visit their nearest local office and bring the following:
- Valid South African ID (13-digit barcoded ID or smart ID card)
- Proof of income (e.g. payslips, pension slips, or affidavits if no longer employed)
- Bank statements for the last three months (all active bank accounts)
- Proof of residence (e.g. utility bill or letter from a local authority)
- Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable)
- Death certificate (if a dependent, spouse or child has passed away)
- Any other supporting documents relevant to the grant type (e.g. birth certificates for Child Support Grants, school attendance proof for Foster Care Grants)
Beneficiaries needing more information can visit www.sassa.gov.za, call the toll-free number 0800 60 10 11, or email GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za.
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