Sassa takes grant services online with WhatsApp, kiosks and Wi-Fi
Sassa said beneficiaries should also ensure the agency has their correct cellphone numbers so they can receive important notifications
South Africa's Social Relief of Distress Agency (Sassa) is modernizing its services through digital platforms and self-service kiosks, as reported on Thursday in the Eastern Cape. The agency's chief executive, Themba Matlou, outlined plans to offer online applications, WhatsApp support, electronic verification, and self-service kiosks to reduce queues and improve accessibility for beneficiaries.
Free Wi-Fi at Sassa offices will help those with smartphones but limited internet access use the agency's digital platforms. The digital services will complement human support, ensuring beneficiaries receive assistance both before and after submitting applications without needing to visit office in person. The agency aims to launch a mobile application in the third quarter of the current financial year, while acknowledging that digital transformation does not replace human support.
Sassa encourages beneficiaries in the Eastern Cape to explore alternative methods to access services without visiting offices physically, and to ensure the agency has their correct cellphone numbers for important notifications.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
