SASSA introduces biometric enrolment

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has introduced mandatory Beneficiary Biometric Enrolment at all its offices from 1 September 2025.

In a statement, the agency said the system is expected to revolutionise the administration of social grants by tightening security, curbing fraud, and transforming service delivery.

Biometric enrolment involves capturing personal features, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, so they can be used to verify identity.

According to SASSA, the rollout follows extensive engagements with organised labour on a range of issues that have now been resolved. This, the agency said, paves the way for a new era in administering a secure and credible grants system.

SASSA CEO Themba Matlou welcomed the outcome of these discussions.

“Our plans were to commence biometric enrolment at the start of the 2025/2026 financial year. However, we hit a snag. The issues have now been ironed out, and it is all systems go for implementation,” he said.

The biometric system comes at an opportune time as SASSA ramps up efforts to strengthen its processes, improve risk management, and root out fraud. It is also designed to ensure that every grant recipient is verifiably authentic, while making the agency’s systems more resilient against manipulation and error — particularly in cases involving forged green Identity Document books that frontline staff cannot always detect.

Benefits of biometric system 

SASSA noted that the new enrolment system will bring several benefits, including:

• A significant reduction in fraudulent applications and duplicate payments,
• Reliable verification of beneficiaries’ authenticity and proof of life,
• Fewer inclusion errors,
• Streamlined documentation processes, and
• Stronger audit outcomes and improved record integrity.

The process will make use of fingerprint or facial recognition technology through electronic Know Your Client (eKYC). Applications without biometric data will immediately be flagged for review, with clients notified of the need to provide biometrics in line with review procedures.

The agency said the necessary infrastructure and tools have been set up at all its offices across the country to support the rollout.

“This initiative will enhance risk controls, contribute to a more secure and accountable grants system, and ensure that social grants are paid to the right people. SASSA remains committed to working with its stakeholders to strengthen and safeguard its systems,” Matlou said. SAnews.gov.za

For enquiries, beneficiaries can visit www.sassa.gov.za, call the toll-free number 0800 60 1011.