SASSA introduces biometrics to curb fraud: Applicants, get fingerprints taken, face scanned from 1 September!

Thabo Shole-Mashao (standing in for 702's and CapeTalk's Africa Melane) speaks with Paseka Letsatsi, Head of Communication at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

Listen below:

SASSA has announced the introduction of a biometrics system in an effort to curb fraud.

A mandatory Beneficiary Biometric Enrolment will take effect in all of its offices from 1 September 2025, requiring all grant applications to have their fingerprints taken or their faces mapped. 

RELATED: SASSA confirms grant payment dates for September 2025

It is set to reduce fraudulent applications, duplicate payments, reduce inclusion errors, streamline document processes, enhance audits, and improve record integrity.

Applicants who are not able to physically go to the SASSA offices can appoint a procurator and inform the agency thereof. 

“The intention is to make sure that we have people correctly paid and they are properly loaded into the system.” 

– Paseka Letsatsi, Head of Communication – SASSA

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.