SASSA CHARTS NEW PATH TOWARD DIGNIFIED, DIGITAL SOCIAL SERVICES

By Precious Mupenzi.

• SASSA is modernising social assistance to improve access, reduce fraud, and deliver faster, more transparent services.
• The revised plan was presented to Parliament as part of a broader Social Development briefing led by Minister Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe.
• With over 19 million grants disbursed monthly, the focus is on expanding reach, strengthening systems, and improving the beneficiary experience.

SASSA is taking decisive steps to modernise social assistance delivery, reduce fraud, and improve service access for the millions of South Africans who depend on grants each month. These efforts form part of a revised strategic plan that aims to ensure the Agency delivers faster, fairer, and more transparent support.
On 18 June 2025, South African Social Security Agency CEO Mr Themba Matlou presented the Agency’s revised Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2030, its Annual Performance Plan, and Medium-Term Expenditure Framework Budget to the Portfolio Committee on Social Development. This engagement formed part of a broader parliamentary briefing led by Minister Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, supported by Acting Director-General Mr Peter Netshipale and Acting NDA CEO Mr Thabani Buthelezi.
The revised five-year roadmap centres on three key outcomes: reducing poverty, improving customer experience, and enhancing operational efficiency. With more than 19 million grants administered each month and around 45 percent of the population relying on social assistance, the Agency is focused on expanding its reach and resilience while adapting to shifting socio-economic realities.
Matlou reaffirmed the Agency’s core mission. “Our duty is not just to distribute grants. It is to safeguard the dignity of every South African by providing accessible, reliable, and fraud-resistant services.”
A key focus for the 2025 to 2026 financial year is digital transformation. This includes automating manual processes, deploying self-service kiosks, strengthening cybersecurity, and upgrading the call centre to ease access to support. These innovations are designed to reduce in-person visits and create a more efficient and user-friendly experience.
SASSA has been allocated R8 billion for administration during the financial year, with R300 million set aside for managing the temporary but vital R370 Social Relief of Distress grant. A further R76.9 million will support fraud prevention through biometric verification, data sharing with institutions such as SARS and NSFAS, and improved forensic investigation capacity.
More than R117 million will fund system maintenance, ICT enhancements, and outreach services to remote and underserved communities. These efforts are also intended to reach eligible older persons, children, and persons with disabilities who are not yet covered by the grant system.
The revised strategy reflects alignment with the National Development Plan and the Medium-Term Development Plan. It follows extensive consultation with internal stakeholders, National Treasury, the Auditor-General, and the Department of Social Development to ensure an integrated, cost-effective, and outcomes-based approach.
“We are committed to living within our means while meeting our performance targets,” Matlou told the committee. “Our strategic resource allocation ensures that every rand delivers value to the people of South Africa.”
The Portfolio Committee was urged to endorse the Strategic Plan, Annual Performance Plan, and budget for the 2025 to 2028 period, marking a new chapter in the delivery of social protection services that are inclusive, innovative, and accountable.