SASSA strengthens ties with KwaZulu-Natal media

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is strengthening its relationship with the media as part of efforts to improve communication with social grant beneficiaries.

SASSA CEO Themba Matlou met with members of the KwaZulu-Natal media in Pietermaritzburg to discuss key issues affecting social assistance and the agency’s latest developments.

The media networking session provided an opportunity for SASSA and journalists to exchange information, address concerns and promote open communication around social security and service delivery.

Among the issues discussed were social grant reviews, the modernisation of SASSA services and the agency’s 20th anniversary.

Reflecting on SASSA’s two decades of operations, Matlou highlighted the agency’s role in South Africa’s social protection system.

SASSA currently provides permanent social grants to approximately 19 million beneficiaries every month.

Matlou said the impact of social grants extends beyond financial assistance, helping children attend school, older people access medication and people living with disabilities maintain their dignity.

He also sought to reassure beneficiaries about the social grant review process, saying receiving a review notification does not necessarily mean that a person has committed fraud or that their grant will be stopped.

According to Matlou, reviews form part of responsible social grant administration and are intended to ensure that beneficiaries continue to meet the requirements for receiving assistance.

The CEO also highlighted the importance of the media in providing beneficiaries with reliable information about SASSA services.

He described journalists as an important link between the agency and the communities it serves, emphasising that effective media engagement is in the public interest.

The agency says continued engagement with the media will help promote accurate information and strengthen communication with beneficiaries across KwaZulu-Natal and the country.