The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has concluded its nationwide media engagement sessions, with the final event held in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, on 12 August 2025.

Speaking at the session, SASSA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Themba Matlou, expressed his delight at ending the campaign in a province close to his heart. “Mpumalanga is my second home. The people here have so much love for everyone,” he said, noting that the engagements began in March in KwaZulu-Natal when he was still Acting CEO.

The initiative aimed to strengthen communication with the media, recognising their vital role in providing accurate information on social grants to the public. Matlou emphasised that these engagements were part of SASSA’s commitment to the Batho Pele principles of openness, transparency, and accessibility.

He also addressed misinformation surrounding the agency, stating: “Almost daily, we wake up to fresh disinformation. We acknowledge the crucial role the media plays in correcting this and providing accurate facts to our citizens.”

In Mpumalanga, SASSA pays approximately 1.5 million grants monthly, including COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress benefits. Of the 19 million regular social grants distributed nationally, women receive 54%, and 51% of the COVID-19 SRD R370 grants. Over 13 million Child Support Grants are also provided, the majority to women.

Matlou stressed SASSA’s commitment to improving service delivery through:

• Faster processing of grant applications.
• Alternative service delivery models for better accessibility.
• Measures to reduce queues at local offices.
• Expanded community outreach and beneficiary education.

He confirmed that the current review of grants targets beneficiaries suspected of having undeclared income. “No social grant payments have been suspended or halted because of this review process. All approved grants remain valid,” he clarified.

The review process, required under the Social Assistance Act, helps ensure grants reach eligible recipients and prevents fraud. Data checks have flagged 210 000 cases nationally, with 13 000 in Mpumalanga. Fraud prevention measures include biometric beneficiary verification, increased risk and compliance capacity, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

Matlou concluded by thanking the media for their support, stating, “Please continue to engage with us. We also have positive stories to share, and we are making tremendous progress.”

SASSA remains committed to transparent communication, operational efficiency, and restoring trust in the social grant system.