By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
30 July 2025- The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Themba Matlou has issued a clarion call for assistance of beneficiaries during August 2025 payment cycle 30 July 2025. Matlou said SASSA has called for an all hands-on deck approach to executives and senior managers across nine regions to lend a helping hand to all beneficiaries, who have been identified for review in the August payment cycle.
Matlou further said this comes as he tries to enhance operations at local offices in efforts to ensure that beneficiaries are not severely inconvenienced when they present themselves for social grants review in the coming few days.
“We intend to assist all our clients to have their grants reviewed as seamlessly as possible so that no one leaves our offices without being assisted and being burdened with back and forth. It is for this reason that we want everyone, especially at the senior level to get their hands dirty as well and be on the ground to assist our important clients.
“Showing empathy towards social grants beneficiaries who bear the brunt of long queues, I expect even officials at the upper echelons of the Agency to play an active role and ensure timely support for those who may need assistance,” he added.
Matlou said throughout the payment period and beyond, he has asked the executives and senior managers to be visible to clients, ensuring that enquiries regarding the 4th payment date are addressed promptly and professionally. He said the ongoing social grants reviews has put a spotlight on them as an organisation and tested their capacity to handle the inflow to their local offices.
“We are addressing some of the challenges that we have picked up in the last few months. Whilst the majority of payments will proceed without any hindrance, we want to ensure that we leave no room for tardiness at the expense of the vulnerable.
“It is important to understand that, social grant reviews are the best tool to safeguard government fiscus, thus ensuring that social grants are paid to the eligible beneficiaries while strengthening the integrity of the system and curbing fraudulent activities internally and externally.
“In addition, he urged all SASSA beneficiaries to not be alarmed and heed the call to have their grants reviewed so that their personal details can also be updated for ease of communication going forward.
“Beneficiaries who have been affected by the grants review are encouraged to visit their nearest SASSA Local Office and bring their valid South African ID (13-digit barcoded ID or smart ID card), proof of income (e.g. payslips, pension slips, or affidavits if no longer employed or employment discharge confirmations),” said Matlou.
He said this includes bank statements (last 3 months)– for all active bank accounts, proof of residence (e.g. utility bill or letter from a local authority), marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable), death certificate (if some death has occurred for example child, spouse etc) and any other supporting documents relevant to their grant type (e.g., birth certificates for Child Support Grants, school attendance proof for Foster Care Grants).
“For more information, visit http://www.sassa.gov.za 11 or Grant Enquiries@sassa.gov.za,” said Matlou.
The Guardian 