The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has dismissed 14 officials in the Eastern Cape following findings of fraud and corruption involving social grant payments, with an additional 11 officials currently facing disciplinary hearings for related offences, the agency confirmed on 8 July 2026.

Details Of Fraud And Disciplinary Action

According to SASSA, internal investigations uncovered fraudulent activities at offices in Komani, Mdantsane, Dutywa, Libode, eMaxesibeni, Duncan Village, Zwide, and Qonce. These involved the unlawful approval of social grants, unauthorised changes to beneficiaries’ bank details, and irregular practices within grant administration. The agency stated that all cases have been referred to police for ongoing criminal investigation, and preservation orders are being sought to recover approximately R3 million in misappropriated public funds.

SASSA CEO Themba Matlou, speaking in an official statement, warned that “officials bypassing the agency’s biometric verification system to approve fraudulent grant applications would be charged and dismissed.” He emphasised SASSA’s zero-tolerance approach: “We have introduced various measures to root out fraudulent and corrupt elements at SASSA and we are not going to rest until we know that we have officials who are ready to serve our people with integrity.”

National Crackdown And Institutional Response

The Eastern Cape dismissals form part of a nationwide crackdown on internal corruption, with SASSA reporting to Parliament in May 2026 that 43 officials were dismissed across South Africa in the 2025/26 financial year for fraud, theft, corruption, and serious maladministration. The agency has reinforced its commitment to strengthening governance and internal controls, including the use of biometric verification systems now enforced in grant approval processes.

Bandile Maqetuka, Eastern Cape regional manager, reaffirmed SASSA’s stance: “We have both a constitutional and moral obligation to protect every cent entrusted to the agency. We will not hesitate to take decisive disciplinary and criminal action against any official who abuses their position for personal gain. Corruption has no place in SASSA, and anyone found guilty of defrauding the agency will face the full might of the law.” The agency continues to work closely with law enforcement to secure criminal prosecutions and recover stolen funds.

SASSA indicated disciplinary processes are ongoing, and further announcements will be made as investigations progress.