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.