Investigation into SRD grant application fraud recommends overhaul of system to improve security

CAPE TOWN - An independent investigation into social relief of distress (SRD) grant application fraud has recommended an overhaul of the grant system to improve security.

The investigation, commissioned by the Social Development Department, confirmed allegations made by two first-year IT students on the weaknesses in the SRD grant application process.

Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) briefed the portfolio committee on Wednesday following the month-long investigation.

Tolashe told Parliament that an independent investigation into major flaws in the SRD grant system confirmed the weaknesses that were uncovered by the two first-year students.

Stanley Matshote from Masegare & Associates, the independent investigators, also listed the weaknesses identified, like the lack of encryption.

He also made recommendations that would overhaul the system.

"The issue here being that biometric verification is currently only used in cases of suspected fraud, leaving some fraudulent claims unchecked. So we recommend that SASSA should implement biometric verification for a broader range of transactions at random intervals."

Matshote also recommended implementing stronger password protection and better authentication policies.

Tolashe also said they would extend their investigation before reporting back to Parliament.