Starting May 5, SASSA requires biometric testing for social grant beneficiaries using alternative ID forms. This aims to improve security and efficiency. Vulnerabilities and fraud issues have prompted these changes, along with training for staff to oversee the biometric process effectively.
Starting May 5, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will require biometric testing for all social grant recipients who use alternative identification methods, rather than the standard 13-digit SA ID number. This move, announced by SASSA on Thursday, is intended to enhance the accuracy and security of client identification and bolster the integrity of its systems. Remarkably, around 28 million beneficiaries receive social grants from SASSA every month.
Those lacking an official ID number can still apply for social grants using a temporary quad 7 number, assigned by the Department of Home Affairs. While this measure is useful, last month, SASSA disclosed to Parliament that R140 million had been disbursed in grants to approximately 75,000 deceased individuals. An investigation also revealed critical security vulnerabilities in SASSA’s payment system.
Interestingly, these flaws were identified by two students from Stellenbosch University, who uncovered that a wave of fraudulent Special Relief Distress (SRD) applications used the ID numbers of newly turned 18-year-olds. Acknowledging these issues, SASSA’s acting CEO, Themba Matlou, assured that efforts are underway to address these vulnerabilities—including enhanced risk mitigation and system security updates.
SASSA explained the biometric initiative aligns with Regulation 13(1) of the Social Assistance Act, designed as a proactive step to secure systems and curtail identity-related fraud. Furthermore, the agency’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) team is teaming up with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) to train so-called “super-users.” These individuals will be sufficiently skilled to train regional staff on the biometric enrollment process whenever it kicks off.
In a statement, SASSA emphasized its commitment to tightening security measures and ensuring that “the right person is paid at the right time and place.” This initiative highlights a robust response to a series of unfortunate lapses in the agency’s operations.
SASSA’s new biometric testing initiative, set to launch on May 5, seeks to address pressing security concerns while improving client identification processes for the social grants system. With nearly 28 million beneficiaries and recent fraud calls, the agency is taking extensive steps to enhance security and prevent identity misrepresentation. Collaborations with SITA and the training of super-users indicate a systematic approach to modernize and secure SASSA’s operations.
Original Source: groundup.org.za
