Minister Zulu must improve proof of life checks to mitigate SASSA payments to the deceased
12 January 2024
The DA notes Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu’s excuses regarding the R 141 556 000 in social grants that have been paid to deceased recipients over the past three years.
This was due to beneficiaries being reported as dead to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) after proof of life was obtained from them by the Department of Social Development (DSD).
Given the millions paid to deceased beneficiaries, Minister Zulu should consider moving proof of life checks closer to payment dates.
The DA also finds it disingenuous that Minister Zulu is trying to blame vulnerable and distraught family members for not reporting the deaths of South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries when they are unable to contact SASSA offices.