Sassa Gauteng appoints 143 contracts workers to improve service delivery

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Gauteng has strengthened service delivery by appointing 143 contract workers to assist at local offices across the province.

The additional staff, who started work this week, will help improve frontline services, reduce waiting times, manage client queues and support the ongoing social grant review process and eLife Certification.

SASSA said the province has experienced an increase in the number of beneficiaries visiting its offices, mainly due to grant reviews and eLife Certification. Beneficiaries selected for reviews are notified by SMS and are required to visit a SASSA office to complete the process.

To ease congestion, the agency has introduced a dedicated fourth payment day each month for grants due for review. Beneficiaries who fail to complete the review process risk having their grants suspended.

The agency noted that delays often occur because some beneficiaries do not respond to notifications or have outdated contact details, resulting in late visits to local offices.

In addition to deploying contract workers, SASSA has introduced several measures to improve service delivery, including enhanced queue management, prioritising elderly people, persons with disabilities and pregnant women, expanding public awareness campaigns, promoting digital self-service platforms and conducting community outreach programmes.

Beneficiaries are encouraged to use SASSA's online services for applications, eLife Certification and other services where possible to avoid unnecessary trips to local offices.

The agency also condemned the illegal practice of reserving and selling queue positions outside SASSA offices, warning that it is working with law enforcement agencies to bring those responsible to justice.

SASSA said it remains committed to improving service delivery while ensuring eligible beneficiaries receive assistance with dignity and respect.