Social Development Dept to introduce 'alternative payments' for social grants, MPs told

CAPE TOWN - Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe said that her department has taken a decision to introduce "alternative payments" for social grants.

She said this will involve switching to dedicated bank cards for grant beneficiaries.

The minister was addressing a National Assembly debate on Thursday on the ongoing fraud and corruption at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

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This followed reports of rampant fraud in the grant payment system, from dead beneficiaries claiming benefits to others receiving double payments.

"SASSA does take these considerations that are very abnormal, very seriously, hence it has taken a decision to have alternative payments of grants. Let us recognise and accept the decision to switch to banking cards for our beneficiaries."

Tolashe said SASSA was fighting back against the fraud and had made significant investments in advanced technologies.