Sassa is implementing mandatory biometric verification for clients without standard ID numbers starting May 5. This aims to enhance security and ensure accurate social grant payments, preventing fraud. Training for staff is already in progress to facilitate this change.
In a significant move, the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) is rolling out mandatory biometric verification for clients lacking a standard 13-digit ID. Starting May 5, this initiative aims to bolster security and ensure payments are accurately made to eligible individuals. Any new clients relying on alternative identification methods, as well as existing clients updating their information, must enroll in the biometric system.
Sassa spokesperson, Paseka Letsatsi, highlighted that the change is part of a broader strategy to enhance the integrity of client identification across the agency’s systems. This requirement dovetails with regulation 13(1) of the Social Assistance Act. It’s a proactive step designed to prevent fraudulent activities linked to identity misrepresentation, according to Letsatsi.
Preparations for this rollout have involved significant collaboration with the State Information Technology Agency. They trained select regional “super-users” on the biometric enrolment process. These trained individuals will, in turn, instruct other Sassa staff on the ground, ensuring that regional offices are ready when the system goes live.
In her statements, Letsatsi emphasized Sassa’s commitment to making sure their offices are well-staffed, which is vital to facilitating a smooth transition into the new biometric verification process. She noted, “Sassa is pulling [out] all the stops in tightening its systems and measures that are meant to safeguard social grants.”
Overall, this initiative signifies Sassa’s ongoing efforts to refine and secure its operations while providing social support to the public. It aims to better identify beneficiaries and streamline the administration of social grants in South Africa.
Sassa’s new biometric verification requirement marks a crucial step towards enhancing security and accuracy in social grant payments. With training for staff in place, the agency aims to ensure that all clients, especially those without standard IDs, have a seamless enrolment experience. This initiative not only strengthens clients’ identification but also serves to prevent fraud. Sassa’s proactive approach is expected to improve overall service integrity as they move forward.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za
