Close Menu
DISADISA
  • Home
  • News
  • Social Media
  • Disinformation
  • Fake Information
  • Social Media Impact
Trending Now

AI-Generated Videos Propagating Misinformation in Diddy Trial, Researchers Claim

July 2, 2025

Azerbaijani Parliamentary Commission Condemns Disinformation Campaign

July 2, 2025

Effective Risk Communication and Community Engagement Strategies to Counter Vaccine Misinformation.

July 1, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
DISADISA
Newsletter
  • Home
  • News
  • Social Media
  • Disinformation
  • Fake Information
  • Social Media Impact
DISADISA
Home»Social Media»SASSA Issues Warning Regarding the Proliferation of Grant-Related Misinformation
Social Media

SASSA Issues Warning Regarding the Proliferation of Grant-Related Misinformation

Press RoomBy Press RoomMay 15, 2025
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

SASSA combats surge in fake news targeting social grants, urges beneficiaries to remain vigilant

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is grappling with a daily influx of fake news and disinformation campaigns targeting the agency and its services. These malicious efforts aim to mislead and exploit vulnerable beneficiaries who rely on social grants for their livelihoods. SASSA, responsible for distributing social grants to over 19 million beneficiaries on behalf of the Department of Social Development, is working tirelessly to counteract these deceptive narratives and ensure accurate information reaches its recipients.

One recent example of this misinformation involves fabricated reports claiming double grant payments in June. SASSA vehemently denies these claims, urging beneficiaries to disregard such baseless rumors. Paseka Letsatsi, SASSA’s national spokesperson, emphasizes that the only official grant increases were announced in March by the Ministry of Finance, implemented in April, and with a further increase scheduled for October. Any information contrary to these official announcements should be considered false and misleading.

Another wave of disinformation circulating on social media platforms alleges "new rules" affecting pensions from June 10th. SASSA clarifies that these claims are entirely unsubstantiated and have no basis in reality. The agency emphasizes that the only recent announcement pertains to a verification process initiated in April, specifically targeting certain grant beneficiaries in the May payment cycle. This verification process focuses on beneficiaries using alternative identification methods besides the standard 13-digit South African ID number, as well as those flagged through bulk means testing for potential undisclosed income streams.

SASSA implores its beneficiaries to rely solely on credible information sources, particularly the agency’s official social media pages. Sharing unverified information can cause unnecessary anxiety and distress among beneficiaries. Before disseminating any information related to social grants, individuals are urged to verify its authenticity with SASSA to avoid perpetuating harmful misinformation.

The agency acknowledges the detrimental impact of these relentless disinformation campaigns, which not only create confusion and anxiety but also erode trust in SASSA’s services. SASSA remains committed to transparency and accurate communication with its beneficiaries. The agency is actively exploring strategies to combat the spread of fake news and strengthen its communication channels to effectively reach its target audience. Collaborative efforts with social media platforms and other relevant stakeholders are also underway to identify and address the sources of this misinformation.

SASSA calls upon beneficiaries, community leaders, and media outlets to play a crucial role in combating fake news by sharing only verified information from official SASSA channels. This collective responsibility will safeguard vulnerable beneficiaries from falling prey to unscrupulous actors who exploit their reliance on social grants. SASSA remains dedicated to ensuring the timely and accurate dissemination of information to its beneficiaries and maintaining the integrity of its vital services.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email

Read More

Combating Disinformation in Morocco

July 1, 2025

The Business Risks and Tangible Losses Associated with Disinformation

July 1, 2025

Iranian Influence Operations Pose Threat of Subversion within the UK

July 1, 2025

Our Picks

Azerbaijani Parliamentary Commission Condemns Disinformation Campaign

July 2, 2025

Effective Risk Communication and Community Engagement Strategies to Counter Vaccine Misinformation.

July 1, 2025

Countering Vaccine Misinformation: A Guide for Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Managers

July 1, 2025

AI-Generated Disinformation Pervades Social Media Amid Sean Combs’ Sex Trafficking Trial

July 1, 2025
Stay In Touch
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Vimeo

Don't Miss

Disinformation

EU Disinformation Code Implemented Amidst Censorship Concerns and Trade Disputes

By Press RoomJuly 1, 20250

Europe’s New Disinformation Code: A Balancing Act Between Transparency and Censorship Concerns The European Union’s…

AI Chatbots Vulnerable to Generating False Health Information, Study Reveals

July 1, 2025

Azerbaijani Parliamentary Commission Condemns Disinformation Campaign

July 1, 2025

Pro-Russian Disinformation Campaign Exploits Free AI Tools for Content Proliferation

July 1, 2025
DISA
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of use
  • Contact
© 2025 DISA. All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.