Dina Pule.
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 protect the integrity of the social assistance system and save an estimated R1.5 billion for the fiscus.
Pule assured beneficiaries that the review process is intended to ensure grants are paid only to eligible recipients while addressing concerns over long queues at South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offices.
“In the few days I have been in office, I received complaints about people standing in long queues at our offices. We had to intervene urgently to restore dignity and improve service delivery,” she said.
The minister explained that, in terms of the Social Assistance Act, SASSA is required to regularly review grants to confirm beneficiaries remain eligible. Beneficiaries are also legally obliged to report changes in their financial or marital circumstances.
“Social grant reviews ensure that the right grant is paid to the right person at the right time,” Pule said.
She said the reviews also help prevent fraud, abuse and incorrect payments. During the 2025/26 financial year, SASSA flagged more than 420 000 grants for review, completed over 240 000 reviews, while approximately 160 000 beneficiaries failed to comply.
“For 2026/27, we are targeting to review over 350 000 grants, with projected savings of about R1.5 billion that can be redirected to other government priorities,” she said.
Pule emphasised that social grants remain a vital lifeline for millions of vulnerable South Africans. The country’s social assistance programme has grown from 2.7 million beneficiaries in 1994 to around 19 million people today.
To strengthen the system, SASSA has expanded its biometric verification programme, which links directly with the Department of Home Affairs to prevent identity theft, duplicate claims and other forms of fraud.
Government is also rolling out e-Life Certification, allowing beneficiaries, particularly older persons, people with disabilities and those in remote areas, to verify their eligibility digitally without visiting SASSA offices.
Pule said SASSA is modernising its services by expanding online platforms, WhatsApp and a mobile application. More than 1 000 contract workers are also being recruited to assist with grant applications and reviews, while office hours will be extended and home visits will continue for beneficiaries aged over 75 and those who are frail.
She added that she will visit SASSA offices across the country in the coming days to monitor the implementation of these interventions and engage with communities on improving service delivery.
