Starting October 1 2025 everyone who gets social grants in South Africa must use biometric identification. This new system will help protect the 250 billion rand program from fraud. The government will now use fingerprints & face scans to make sure the right people get their money. This new rule makes it harder for people to cheat the system. The South African Social Security Agency created this plan to stop fake claims and keep the grant money safe. The main parts of this program are listed below.
Why South Africa Is Implementing Biometric Checks Now
SASSA is introducing a new way to register people using biometric data. This system will help stop fraud and prevent people from getting multiple payments. It will also make sure no one can use fake IDs to get grants. The system works by scanning fingerprints or faces to check if the person is really who they say they are. This proves the person is alive and actually needs the grant. The whole process will be faster and more secure than before. It will be much harder for anyone to trick the system. The new method also makes it easier for SASSA to check their records and track payments. This modern approach will make the grant system work better for everyone who truly needs it.
Who Will Be Required to Verify Their Identity
SASSA only needs biometric data from a few types of clients right now:
– New people who want grants must give their biometric info when they apply after October 2025.
– People who already get grants need to give biometric data when SASSA checks their details or when they change their phone number or bank details.
– People who don’t have a South African ID number or whose money matters are being checked must also give their biometric info.
Right now about 210000 people are waiting for their final payment. This shows why SASSA needs to check everyone’s identity to stop fraud.
Step-by-Step Process for the New Biometric System
SASSA offices across the country will get new biometric systems by October 1 2025. The system will use fingerprints and face scans to make grant applications faster. When people submit their biometric data their application will be checked & they’ll get a message about their payments. This upgrade will make it harder for people to cheat the system. It will help staff spot fake green ID documents better. The new technology will make the whole process more secure and reliable.
Key Features and Benefits of the Biometric Verification System
The biometric system will create several important benefits:
– It will cut down on fraud because SASSA can check who really needs help. This stops people from claiming benefits twice or making fake claims.
– The system makes everything faster by reducing paperwork. This helps both when people apply for grants and when SASSA reviews them.
– People will trust SASSA more when they see the system is secure and works well. This builds confidence in how social grants are managed.
– The records will be more accurate because biometric data is precise. This also makes it easier to track and audit everything properly.
SASSA’s CEO Themba Matlou believes the new system marks an important step forward. He says it will modernize their services & make the social assistance program more secure. The digital update helps SASSA work better in today’s technology-driven world.
Potential Challenges and What Beneficiaries Should Know
Going to SASSA offices and learning about the new fingerprint system can be hard for many people. SASSA needs to help these people understand the changes & give them good support. This is most important for older people and those who live far from cities. Even though it’s not easy the new system will help protect grants & make sure they reach the right people. These changes will make things better in the long run. The move to a safer system needs to happen even if it takes time for everyone to get used to it.
