SASSA DRIVING PUBLIC AWARENESS ON IDENTITY THEFT

Cuma Pantshwa

• The COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), continues to provide crucial financial support to vulnerable citizens.
• To address challenges such as identity theft and public mistrust, SASSA has launched the “Know Your SRD Grant Status” campaign, which educates beneficiaries, resolves fraud cases, and ensures data accuracy.
• By combining outreach initiatives with digital engagement and operational improvements, SASSA aims to enhance transparency, rebuild trust, and strengthen the efficiency of the SRD Grant system.

The COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant remains a lifeline for millions of South Africans, offering financial support to the country’s most vulnerable. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), tasked with administering the grant, has implemented several initiatives to enhance transparency, combat fraud, and educate the public about the programme.

SASSA has launched the “Know Your SRD Grant Status” campaign in various areas nationwide to address identity theft and promote public awareness. This initiative encourages South Africans aged 18 to 59 to verify that their identity numbers have not been fraudulently used for SRD Grant applications. “We’ve seen cases of identity theft where fraudsters use unsuspecting individuals’ information to apply for grants,” said Moipone Shabalala, Senior Manager for Business Solutions at SASSA. “This campaign empowers citizens to check their grant status and provides immediate assistance to resolve fraudulent cases.” She further noted that SASSA has identified specific areas for targeted outreach, focusing on regions with high grant dependency and significant fraud concerns.

“Furthermore, public awareness plays a pivotal role in the success of the SRD Grant programme,” Shabalala emphasised.

On the ground, the campaign provides direct support to beneficiaries, including:

• Identity theft awareness: Educating attendees about safeguarding personal information.
• Fraud resolution: Providing guidance on resolving active fraudulent grant cases.
• On-the-spot assistance: Offering real-time help with SRD Grant verification and queries.

The SRD Grant has had a far-reaching impact. With over 10 million applications processed monthly, the programme’s scale is immense, and SASSA disburses billions of rand to provide critical relief to vulnerable households. Despite operational challenges, 90% of approved applications are paid on time, underscoring SASSA’s commitment to efficiency.

However, identity theft and fraudulent applications remain significant issues, necessitating campaigns such as “Know Your SRD Grant Status.” Data accuracy is vital for SASSA’s success, as the agency relies on external data sources for monthly verification. This dependency can sometimes result in errors that exclude eligible applicants or approve ineligible ones.

“Additionally, public scepticism, fuelled by misunderstandings about the application process or payment delays, can erode trust in the system. These are some of the challenges we aim to address through this campaign,” Shabalala explained.

She further stressed that in addition to ground-level outreach, the agency uses social media platforms to share updates and leverages traditional media outlets, such as newspapers and radio interviews, to reach a broader audience.

SASSA remains committed to refining the SRD Grant system, and community events provide a platform to engage directly with beneficiaries and address their concerns. “Through our campaigns and partnerships, we aim to strengthen trust and ensure the grant remains effective and transparent.”

Public education and fraud prevention campaigns will continue to play a central role in South Africa, fostering accountability and transparency in government services. Such initiatives not only address challenges and enhance service delivery but also give people hope and rebuild trust in the government.

Sidebar

SASSA employs a streamlined electronic application process to manage the high volume of SRD Grant applications. Here’s how the process works:

1. Initial application: Applicants provide their ID and mobile phone numbers and complete an online form capturing personal details and payment preferences.
2. Verification steps:
   • SASSA sends a one-time pin (OTP) to the applicant’s phone to confirm their identity.
   • The applicant provides consent for data verification.
   • SASSA verifies identity, employment status, and financial means monthly using government and private databases.
3. Payment: Once approved, SASSA updates the applicant’s records on the SRD website and processes payments through banks via Bankserv.

This rigorous system helps ensure that only eligible recipients receive the grant. However, reliance on external data sources has posed challenges, including exclusion and inclusion errors.