The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has taken aim at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) over its ongoing grant review process, warning that “abrupt” delays and poor communication are pushing the country’s most vulnerable deeper into poverty.
In a strongly worded statement, the SAHRC declared it is “gravely concerned by reports of the abrupt delay of social grant payments by SASSA, affecting thousands of children, elderly persons and people with disabilities.”
“Social security is not a privilege; it is a fundamental human right enshrined in Section 27(1)(c) of the Constitution,” the Commission said. It added that the unexplained delays “violate administrative justice… and place lives at risk by denying access to food, medication, electricity and other basic necessities.”
Conflicting messages from SASSA
SASSA CEO Themba Matlou has tried to calm fears, stating that “no social grant payments have been suspended or halted, and all approved grants remain valid.” Yet thousands of older persons and child grant beneficiaries say they have faced sudden stoppages without proper notice.
SASSA’s Brenton van Vrede admits that the review process is deeply intrusive but says it is necessary to root out fraud: “In a nutshell, what we are encouraging is for people to disclose. It’s not about how much is in the account. It’s about understanding the source of that income.”
About 210,000 beneficiaries — many elderly and disabled — were flagged by credit bureaus for possible “additional income” that may disqualify them.
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‘Dignity and survival must not be collateral damage’
The Human Rights Commission has called on SASSA to urgently explain:
- How beneficiaries were notified,
- What recourse they have,
- And whether affected recipients were given enough time to respond — as required under Section 33 of the Constitution.
It warned that “the dignity and survival of some of the most vulnerable members of our society must never be collateral damage in administrative processes.”
What you should do
SASSA says beneficiaries must respond within 60 days of receiving notice or risk permanent removal. Beneficiaries affected by the current grant reviews are urged to visit their nearest SASSA local office with the following required documents:
✅ Valid South African ID: 13-digit barcoded ID book or smart ID card.
✅ Proof of income: Recent payslips, pension slips, or an affidavit confirming unemployment or retrenchment, if applicable.
✅ Bank statements: Last 3 months’ statements for all active bank accounts.
✅ Proof of residence: Such as a utility bill or an official letter from a local authority.
✅ Medical referral report: If applying for a Disability or Care Dependency Grant, bring a current medical report confirming your condition.
✅ Marriage certificate or divorce decree: If applicable.
✅ Death certificate: If a spouse, child, or dependent has passed away and this affects your grant status.
✅ Other supporting documents: For example, a child’s birth certificate for Child Support Grants, or school attendance proof for Foster Care Grants.
For older persons especially, payment delays have already sparked a national outcry. Some fear that Treasury’s strict cost-cutting conditions may make matters worse, with more changes still to come.
Get help now
- Visit your local SASSA office or call 0800 60 1011 (visit SASSA head office & regional ontacts directory here for a full list of contact numbers and physical addresses)
- Monitor your status and notices at www.sassa.gov.za
- For real-time updates on social grants: NOWinSA.co.za — Stories Shaping South Africa Today
