SASSA aims to reduce long lines with its biometric system

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) said that it’s working to cut down the number of grant recipients visiting its offices.

SASSA said that its biometric enrollment system, launched in September last year, is making it easier for beneficiaries to apply for grants and verify their status remotely.

The system uses fingerprint and facial recognition to curb fraud and confirm identities.

SASSA’s Executive Manager for Grant Administration, Brenton van Vrede, said that applicants can now apply online without setting foot in an office.

He said that beneficiaries with access to a computer and a fingerprint reader can also complete verification from home.

"Obviously, we can't force you to just use the online system. If you need assistance, you can come into a SASSA local office where we would be able to assist you to do that, particularly those maybe with the old greed ID's."

Van Vrede added that the biometric system, integrated with the Home Affairs department and already used for the Social Relief of Distress grant, is simplifying verification for both the agency and recipients.

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