Pule says 350,000 social grants to be reviewed
The recently appointed Minister of Social Development, Dina Pule, says more than 350,000 social grants will be reviewed during the 2026/27 financial year as part of efforts to protect the integrity of the social assistance system.
Speaking on Tuesday during her first media briefing since her appointment, Pule outlined her vision for strengthening the social development sector.
Pule said that she was informed that SASSA launched the social grant review last year.
She said that she understood the panic and frustration the review has caused grant beneficiaries.
According to her, SASSA is required by law to review social grants regularly to confirm eligibility.
"Reviews help ensure that beneficiaries continue to meet the eligibility requirements for the grants they receive and that changes in financial, medical or personal circumstances are properly reflected in beneficiary records," said Pule.
"This grant review process also continues to guard against the wasteful government resources in line with the already pressured government fiscus; the more we save, the more our people are covered with social assistance."
She said this review is intended to enhance service delivery, improve operational efficiency, and to ensure cost-effective administration of social assistance.
Pule added that they are tackling fraud through the biometric verification programme, which interfaces with the Department of Home Affairs in real time.
"The fight against fraud in the social grant system is also continuing through implementing eLife Certification as proof of life for our beneficiaries."
"Through e-Life Certification, beneficiaries are increasingly able to verify their continued existence and eligibility through secure digital processes."
She said this intervention is especially important for older persons, persons with disabilities, and grant recipients who live in remote areas.
The minister also announced that more than 1,000 contract workers were recruited to provide additional frontline support.
She added that in the department's intention of restoring respect and dignity for older persons, home visits are extended to those who are 75-years and older and those who are frail.
