Social Development Minister Dina Pule has announced that government will review more than 350 000 social grants during the 2026/27 financial year as part of efforts to strengthen the integrity of South Africa’s social assistance system and save an estimated R1.5 billion for the national fiscus.
Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, Minister Pule said the review process is required by law and is intended to ensure that social grants are paid only to people who continue to qualify for them.
The Minister also acknowledged growing public frustration over long queues at South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offices, saying she had received numerous complaints shortly after taking office.
“I had to step in urgently to understand the cause and seek immediate intervention to bring back dignity and respect,” she said.
Minister Pule explained that the Social Assistance Act requires SASSA to regularly review grants to confirm that beneficiaries remain eligible. Beneficiaries are also legally required to report any significant changes in their financial, employment or marital circumstances.
She said the review process helps prevent fraud, abuse and incorrect payments while ensuring that “the right grant is paid to the right person, at the right time.”
According to the Minister, SASSA’s data verification systems flagged more than 420 000 grants for review during the 2025/26 financial year. Of these, more than 240 000 reviews were completed, while around 160 000 beneficiaries failed to undergo the review process.
For the current financial year, government aims to review over 350 000 grants, with projected savings of R1.5 billion, which can be redirected to other government priorities.
Pule stressed that social grants remain one of government’s most important tools for reducing poverty, noting that the number of beneficiaries has grown from 2.7 million in 1994 to around 19 million people today.
To improve security and reduce fraud, SASSA has expanded its biometric verification system, which works in real time with the Department of Home Affairs to verify beneficiaries’ identities. The technology helps prevent identity theft, duplicate claims and other fraudulent activities.
Government is also increasing the use of e-Life Certification, a digital service that allows beneficiaries to confirm their eligibility without visiting a SASSA office.
The Minister encouraged older persons, people with disabilities and those living in remote areas to use the digital platform where possible to avoid long queues and improve access to services.
