SASSA CEO orders senior managers to assist directly with August grant reviews amid fears of delays

The Chief Executive Officer of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Themba Matlou, has issued a nationwide clarion call to all executives and senior managers to provide hands-on support to social grant beneficiaries during the critical August payment cycle.

This follows concerns over potential delays and frustrations as thousands of beneficiaries are expected to undergo grant reviews in the coming days.

Matlou emphasized the need for a “hands-on deck approach” across all nine regions, urging top officials to personally assist clients at local offices to ensure that the review process is swift and empathetic.

“We are intent on driving to assist all our clients to have their grants reviewed as seamlessly as possible so that no one leaves our offices without being assisted and being burdened with back and forth,” Matlou said.

“It is for this reason that we want everyone, especially at the senior level, to get their hands dirty as well and be on the ground to assist our important clients.”

Matlou's message, underscores his commitment to reforming local office operations to ensure beneficiaries are not “severely inconvenienced.”

He called on even the most senior leaders in SASSA to engage directly with the public, especially during the high-pressure payment cycle.

“Whilst the majority of payments will proceed without any hindrance, we want to ensure that we leave no room for tardiness at the expense of the vulnerable,” he stated, highlighting the pressure the agency faces during this critical review phase.

The CEO also emphasized that social grant reviews are essential in maintaining the integrity of the system and curbing fraudulent activities.

“They are the best tool to safeguard government fiscus, thus ensuring that social grants are paid to the eligible beneficiaries while strengthening the integrity of the system.”

SASSA has called on all affected grant recipients to urgently visit their nearest SASSA office and bring the necessary documents, which include:

• A valid South African ID (barcoded or smart ID)
• Proof of income (such as payslips or affidavits)
• Three months’ bank statements
• Proof of residence
• Marriage or divorce documents (if applicable)
• Death certificates (if relevant)
• Any other supporting documents (e.g., birth certificates for child grants or school attendance for foster care grants)

To alleviate the burden on clients, Matlou has asked that executives ensure visibility, rapid responses to inquiries, and timely support.

“Even officials at the upper echelons of the Agency [must] play an active role and ensure timely support for those who may need assistance.”

Beneficiaries are reminded not to panic but to comply with the call, as the review process also allows for personal details to be updated for smoother communication going forward.

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