SASSA warns public against paying for social grant application services
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has issued a stern warning to the public, urging beneficiaries not to pay for any of its services
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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has issued a stern warning to the public, urging beneficiaries not to pay for any of its services, which are offered free of charge.
This notice follows the agency’s rollout of a new mandatory biometric verification process. The biometric system is being implemented to strengthen identity verification and reduce incidents of fraud and corruption in the administration of social grants.
In a statement issued to the media on Tuesday, the agency said "any individual or entity offering to assist with social grant applications for a fee is engaging in deceptive and fraudulent behaviour that should be reported to the law enforcement agencies immediately".
"We have been made aware of these unfortunate occurrences that are designed to swindle our vulnerable beneficiaries off their grant money in the name of SASSA". Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi said.
"We want to emphasise that all our services are free of charge and not even our staff members are permitted to demand money from our clients for providing a service because they are already paid," Letsatsi added.
He added that SASSA was committed to protecting the integrity of the social grants system and called on the public to assist in reporting fraudulent activities.
"We are committed to rooting out fraudulent practices within the social grants system and to put an end to these activities and ensure the integrity of our services. We urge communities to report any illegal operations occurring at our offices to safeguard the system for the benefit of all South Africans," he added.
"It is our desire to ensure that social grants reach those who need it most and we will do everything in our power to root out all the bad elements in our system".
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