Cape Town – The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has denied making unauthorised deductions from grant recipients’ payments.
Earlier this year, the Alberton Record reported a case of a resident having R165 deducted monthly without authorisation, indicating the issue may be widespread.
Sassa CEO Themba Matlou, has, however, confirmed that deductions can only be made with the recipient’s consent, in line with social assistance regulations.
“I can tell you outright that we’ve got regulations, social assistance regulations, that are very clear.
“That we are not allowed to deduct any policy from the beneficiary without the beneficiary’s consent. That is the regulation.
“Your money is your money. Once we give you the money, we have no control over that,” clarified Matlou.
[MEDIA ENGAGEMENT RECAP 2/3]
“SASSA does not deduct any money from beneficiaries without their consent. We do not partner with any entities that do.Through our Customer Care model, we work with municipalities and traditional leaders to provide services closer to communities.” -… pic.twitter.com/JDDCUXzA75
— SASSA (@OfficialSASSA) August 8, 2025
He expressed gratitude to those who came forward to expose what was happening with their grants, explaining that there are “chance takers” who exploit opportunities to commit fraud with beneficiaries’ payments.
“However, of course, there will be these unscrupulous chance-takers who will try to take advantage of SASSA grant recipients.
“A possible reason could be funeral policies being deducted from immediately after the SASSA Grant payment. But the agency does not offer any such policy.
“And the agency does not allow anyone to advertise policies using its branding,” explained Matlou.
According to the agency, no money is deducted from beneficiaries by SASSA without their consent, and no partnerships are formed with entities that do so.
The services are provided closer to communities in collaboration with municipalities and traditional leaders.
He said the matter has been handed over to the South African Police Service’s fraud and risk unit to investigate those responsible for the unauthorised deductions.
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Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
