Not All 74 000 Deceased Recipients Were Ghost Accounts

In the wake of recent concerns raised about payments made to over 74,000 deceased recipients, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has stepped forward to address the issue. The controversy came to light following a story aired on SABC 404, prompting Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu to disclose pertinent information in a written response to a parliamentary question.

Addressing the concerns surrounding potential corruption, SASSA acknowledged the existence of isolated incidents that its Fraud and Compliance Unit diligently addresses. However, the agency was quick to clarify that the primary issue lies in delays in reporting deaths by family members rather than being primarily attributed to corrupt practices.

As part of its rigorous monthly social grant payment process, SASSA undertakes a thorough verification process. Beneficiary details are cross-checked against the records of the Department of Home Affairs, typically around the 22nd or 23rd of each month. If a beneficiary is identified as deceased, their record is promptly removed from the SASSA system before any payments are processed, ensuring that no funds are wrongly allocated.

SASSA emphasised that the agency is only informed of a client’s death when family members or the Department of Home Affairs report it. Unfortunately, late reporting of a death can result in payments being released prematurely, a situation beyond SASSA’s or the Department’s immediate control, leading to exceptions where funds are released prematurely.

In addition to the gatekeeping mechanisms, SASSA conducts periodic reviews of beneficiary details to ensure accuracy. These reviews involve face-to-face interactions between SASSA staff and beneficiaries. However, a notable challenge arises in cases where a client has passed away, as they are unable to participate in the review process.

The reported figure of 74,000 deceased beneficiaries pertains to those who have passed away in the past three years, averaging approximately 2,055 clients per month. This represents a minimal percentage (0.01%) of the 18 million SASSA beneficiaries who receive benefits each month.

The 22nd of every month, as determined by home affairs registration, serves as SASSA’s cut-off payment date. In response to the concerns, the agency is actively collaborating with the Department of Home Affairs to establish connections and fight corruption. SASSA has a proven track record of collaboration with law enforcement agencies, including the HAWKS, in the ongoing battle against corruption, demonstrating the agency’s unwavering commitment to such collaborative initiatives.

Further showcasing its commitment to transparency and ethical practices, SASSA has implemented a fraud-prevention strategy aligned with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy. This strategy is complemented by regular fraud awareness campaigns, aiming to heighten vigilance within the organization and the broader community, fostering a proactive approach to preventing fraudulent activities.

As the agency navigates these challenges, SASSA remains dedicated to ensuring the integrity of its processes and delivering social grants to those who need them most.