SASSA CEO outlines digital overhaul and stronger fraud controls

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) CEO Themba Matlou has outlined plans to improve the delivery of social assistance while strengthening accountability and fraud prevention across the agency.

Addressing SASSA staff in the North West during an engagement marking the agency’s 20 years of service, Matlou highlighted the role employees play in supporting millions of families and ensuring beneficiaries receive the assistance they are entitled to.

Matlou said improving the experience of beneficiaries must remain a key priority, with the agency looking at better office conditions, reducing long queues and expanding digital services.

The digitisation of records and improved integration between systems are also expected to make it easier for beneficiaries to access social assistance and interact with the agency.

“We must balance compassion with compliance,” Matlou said, stressing the need to protect social grants from fraud and ensure that assistance reaches eligible beneficiaries.

He said accountability and fraud prevention must be strengthened while maintaining a service that treats beneficiaries with dignity.

Matlou also identified staff training, employee wellbeing and professional development as important to building a capable organisation that can respond effectively to the needs of the public.

Looking ahead, the CEO said SASSA’s vision was to build a modern, digital and citizen-centred agency.

He also highlighted the importance of partnerships that could help connect beneficiaries with opportunities beyond social assistance, including pathways towards greater economic participation.

Matlou said the agency’s 20-year journey had been shaped by resilience, innovation and the commitment of employees to serving South Africans.

The engagement forms part of SASSA’s ongoing 20-year anniversary activities under its #SASSA20 campaign.