SASSA grant backlog causes payment delays as pensioners demand higher fortnightly payouts

An intensified anti‑fraud campaign at South Africa’s Social Security Agency (SASSA) has led to a massive grant‑review backlog. Dismissals of dozens of officials for alleged fraud and the need to verify beneficiaries have created long queues at offices, prompting the agency to add 143 contract workers in Gauteng and introduce a fourth payment day to clear blocked accounts. Regional Executive Manager Mmapula Phee warned that fraudulent activities “undermine the trust placed in SASSA and deprive vulnerable communities of much‑needed support.”".

Amid the delays, pensioners are urging the government to move to fortnightly payments and increase the total amount. A petition calls for “R3500 a fortnight,” while some beneficiaries argue that a change in frequency alone will not help because the monthly total remains unchanged, noting “still won’t make a difference, it still adds up to R2400 pm.” The debate highlights growing pressure on SASSA to both speed up payments and improve the adequacy of grants.