IMPORTANT: SASSA Announces Biometrics for September

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed that starting 1 September 2025, all new social grant applications will require mandatory biometric enrolment. Applicants will now undergo fingerprint or facial recognition verification through the electronic Know Your Client (eKYC) system, a move aimed at reducing fraud, eliminating duplicate payouts, and strengthening the integrity of the grant system.

Here’s the latest news on the SASSA announcement regarding biometrics for September:

What’s happening?

• Starting 1 September 2025, all social grant applications captured and approved will require mandatory biometric enrolment at SASSA offices. Applicants will undergo fingerprint or facial recognition checks via the electronic Know Your Client (eKYC) system.
• Any application submitted without biometric data will be placed into a review process, and applicants will be notified to complete the biometric capture before approval.
• Staff across all offices have been trained during August, and the infrastructure for biometric data capture is fully in place.

Why this change?

• The move aims to curb fraud, including fraudulent applications, duplicate payments, and forged identity documents—especially green ID books that are hard to detect as fakes.
• Expected benefits include:
  • Reduction in fraudulent applications and duplicate payouts
  • More reliable identity verification and proof of life
  • Reduced inclusion errors
  • Streamlined documentation and auditing
  • Enhanced public trust in the Social Assistance Programme

Implementation Details

• All new applicants beginning 1 September 2025 must enrol biometrically.
• This includes:
  • New applicants
  • Individuals whose grants are under review
  • Anyone seeking to change personal details on file

Key Quotes

• SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi stated the biometrics requirement is “ramping up its efforts to improve its systems, detect and effectively root out any fraudulent elements in the social grant administration.”
• CEO Themba Matlou explained that the plan began with the 2025/2026 financial year, but delays were resolved after engagements with organized labour, and the rollout is now “all systems go.”

Summary Table