Parliament backs review process as 28 million South Africans depend on social grants

About 28 million South Africans, nearly 45% of the population, rely on social grants every month, and Parliament says protecting that system is critical to both the poor and the public purse.

The Portfolio Committee on Social Development has thrown its weight behind the South African Social Security Agency’s (SASSA) ongoing grant review process, describing it as a necessary step to ensure that assistance reaches only those who qualify.

“Social grants are a lifeline for millions of South Africans. It is therefore essential that the system is protected from abuse, while ensuring that no qualifying beneficiary is unfairly excluded,” said committee chairperson Bridget Masango.

The committee has been monitoring the process as part of its constitutional oversight role, especially in the context of rising pressure on the national budget and the central role grants play in supporting vulnerable households.

SASSA told MPs that it plans to conduct 420,000 grant reviews in the current financial year. Nearly 400,000 beneficiaries have already been notified, and about 240,000 reviews have been completed so far.

However, around 70,000 grants have been suspended because beneficiaries did not come forward for review. Masango stressed that suspension does not mean cancellation.

“SASSA has made it clear that beneficiaries are given up to 90 days, with multiple notices, to complete a review before a grant can lapse. The committee will continue to ensure that this process is applied fairly and in line with the law,” she said.

Masango also welcomed tighter verification systems, including biometric enrolment, life certification and data matching with SARS, NSFAS, credit bureaus, banks and other government departments.

These measures have saved about R44 million a month, or roughly R0.5 billion a year.

“These savings are significant, but more importantly, they ensure that resources are redirected to people who genuinely qualify for social assistance,” she said.

The committee cautioned that modernisation must not shut out the poor, elderly or people in remote areas. MPs will monitor electronic life certification and self-service platforms to ensure beneficiaries are supported and not excluded due to lack of access to technology.

The committee also urged people to keep their contact details updated to avoid missing review notices and welcomed SASSA’s introduction of a fourth payment date as an alert mechanism.

“Our role is to ensure that SASSA operates lawfully, efficiently, and with compassion. We will continue to engage SASSA and National Treasury to ensure that social grants remain sustainable, credible, and responsive to the needs of our people,” Masango said.

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