Social grant fraud down

30 March 2015 - 02:01 By Bianca Capazorio

The Department of Social Development’s biometric system has drastically reduced the number of social grants fraud cases and the introduction of an inspectorate is likely to see this number drop even further. Briefing the media yesterday on the South African Social Security Agenecy (Sassa)’s attempts to minimise social grant fraud, Minister Bathabile Dlamini said that cases with a value of R149 million had been finalised over the past three years.However, only a miniscule R2.3 million of this had been successfully recouped.Dlamini said this small number was mostly due to the fact that the people involved were unemployed women and youth.“It’s easier when it’s a government official because you can recoup the funds but most people involved in crime are unemployed,” she said.The number of fraud cases registered with the department has shown a massive drop from 3571 in 2013/14 to 1072 in the past financial year.This is predominantly due to the re-registration of all beneficiaries in 2012 and the introduction of biometrics such as fingerprints and other personal information on the SASSA card.The department now also aims to introduce biometrics for its staff, and an inspectorate to further root out grant fraud.Acting director general Thokozani Magwaza said that job advertisements for the inspectorate had been placed about two weeks ago.“This will further reduce fraud,” he said.Dlamini said that 10 “complex” fraud cases, with a combined value of R22 million had also been finalised in the past year.Sassa’s general manager for fraud, risk management and compliance Renay Ogle said that these included cracking down on an identity theft ring in Mthatha, a syndicate of ghost medical practitioners in Gugulethu and the issuing of social grants without beneficiary files in KZN.Other cases were procurement related, she said.However, while the department was pleased with the reductions in the numbers of fraud cases, Dlamini said the rise in “unlawful and immoral debit deductions” from Sassa accounts by criminals and “unscrupulous” businesses, was worrying.The deductions ranged from loan repayments, to funeral plans and airtime, often without the consent of the account holder.Dlamini said while some of the deductions had been “technically legal”, they were immoral as they “rob the poor from the resources that we as South Africans provide for them, to meet their basic needs.”..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.