The Portfolio Committee on Social Development in Parliament, has requested the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to re-establish the Electronic Know Your Client (eKYC), to allow suitable beneficiaries to verify their identity and receive their grants.
This after SASSA notified all Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant recipients of the suspension of their payments, to verify their identity as it gears to prevent fraudulent applications.
The Committee Chairperson, Bridget Masango, said measures to counter criminal activities must not affect vulnerable beneficiaries.
“We appreciate the effort to combat fraud.
But we strongly express concern about the suspended eKYC verification system that leaves thousands of eligible people unable to prove their validity,” Masango complained.
She pledged the committee’s support to the ongoing investigations into the alleged weaknesses in the SRD grant payment system.
Last year, the Department acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and vowed to maintain the integrity of the grant system while ensuring transparency.
Masango further called for Minister Sisisi Tolashe to intervene.
“The Minister must intervene and ensure that the verification system is brought back online, to enable the deserving beneficiaries to receive their grants,” said Masango.
Meanwhile, in November last year the Department requested more time to conclude investigations into the matter, after failing to complete the probe within 30 days.
