SASSA has warned the public after unauthorised promotional material falsely suggested a partnership with 1Life Insurance for funeral cover. Picture Credit: TimelessNews Achives
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa — The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has moved swiftly to shut down claims of a partnership with 1Life Insurance, after promotional material surfaced suggesting the two organisations were working together to offer funeral cover.
The agency issued a strong warning, distancing itself from the claims and raising concern over what it describes as the misuse of its brand and logo.
SASSA said it “strongly distances itself from this and categorically states that the agency is not in partnership with 1Life Insurance to provide funeral cover.”
The agency further clarified that it does not collaborate with any insurance providers or funeral schemes under any circumstances.
It emphasised that it “does not, at any point, work with insurance companies or funeral schemes,” warning that any messaging suggesting otherwise is misleading and potentially harmful to the public.
In a direct caution to the industry, SASSA warned against the unlawful use of its identity.
“We caution insurance companies or funeral schemes from the unlawful use of our logo and misusing the Sassa brand,” the agency said.
The response comes after an image began circulating, appearing to link SASSA to funeral cover offerings associated with 1Life Insurance—prompting confusion among beneficiaries and the broader public.
In response, 1Life Insurance acknowledged SASSA’s concerns and moved to clarify its position, stating that it takes issues relating to brand usage seriously.
The company stressed that it “does not use the Sassa logo in its approved promotional material, nor does it market any product as being in partnership with Sassa.”
Addressing the specific material in question, 1Life said the image is not legitimate.
“It is not authentic 1Life Insurance promotional material and does not form part of any campaign or communication approved by 1Life.”
The insurer added that all its partners are required to comply strictly with its branding standards and confirmed that it would investigate the matter further.
It also welcomed engagement with SASSA to resolve the issue, noting that “any concerns can be formally shared with us, properly assessed and addressed.”
The incident has once again highlighted the risks of misinformation and unauthorised branding in the financial services space, particularly where vulnerable groups—such as social grant beneficiaries—may be targeted or misled.
