The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) is set to roll out its new Beneficiary Biometric Enrolment system at all offices from next month, but what does this mean for beneficiaries? 

The ‘why’

According to the agency, this move aims to tighten security in the country’s social grant network.

With more than 18 million South Africans depending on grants each month, the agency says biometrics, such as fingerprints, facial scans, or iris recognition, will make it harder for fraudsters to exploit the system.

In addition, Sassa claims that the biometric enrolment will ensure a reduction in fraudulent applications and duplicate payments, reliable verification of beneficiary authenticity and proof of life, reduction in inclusion errors, a streamlined documentation process and enhanced audit outcomes and stronger record integrity.

Sassa added that this system will ensure that the right people receive the money meant for them.

The ‘how’

But what does this mean for those in need of Sassa’s services, and how does it work?

Grant applications captured and approved from September 1, 2025 onwards will include biometric fingerprint enrolment or facial recognition through electronic Know Your Client (eKYC).

It’s worth noting that applications without biometric data will be immediately put into the review cycle. The client will be notified of the need to capture biometrics as per the review processes.

The agency insists it will be a once-off process, after which beneficiaries will not need to repeat the enrolment unless their details change.

According to Sassa, the process will involve beneficiaries visiting a Sassa office, where their biometric data will be captured and linked to their grant profile. The enrolment is expected to be quick, taking only a few minutes per person.

The agency argues the move is necessary to close loopholes that have cost the state and taxpayers billions.

The ‘who’

Over the years, “ghost beneficiaries,” duplicate accounts, and fraudulent syndicates have been flagged by the Auditor-General as persistent threats to the integrity of the grant system.

But while the impact on government is clear, for beneficiaries, the shift raises questions about how smoothly the enrolment will unfold and these urgent questions need to be addressed. Will all beneficiaries have to enrol at once, or will the roll-out be phased? How will bedridden or immobile beneficiaries be catered for? Will mobile units be deployed in rural areas?

Sassa has said that “plans are in place to ensure no one is disadvantaged,” but without giving details at this stage.

Rights groups have also raised concerns about data privacy and the potential misuse of biometric information. While Sassa has promised that data will be kept secure, experts warn that breaches of sensitive biometric records could have long-lasting consequences.

There are several known dangers of biometric technology, including privacy concerns, data security risks, false positives and false negatives, accessibility issues, and a lack of standardisation. 

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