South African Social Security Agency has allocated R14 million to assess and upgrade office infrastructure as part of efforts to improve service delivery. Picture Credit: Bizcommunity
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa – The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has allocated R14 million to upgrade its office infrastructure as part of efforts to improve service delivery and restore public trust among vulnerable South Africans.
The funding forms part of the agency’s plans for the 2026/2027 financial year and aims to address longstanding infrastructure challenges affecting the delivery of social services.
The announcement was made during a virtual briefing to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development by Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe, Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks and SASSA chief executive officer Themba Matlou.
The briefing followed recommendations made during the Committee’s oversight visit to SASSA offices in KwaZulu-Natal in October 2025.
“One of the recommendations by the Portfolio Committee was for Minister Tolashe to ensure that the Department of Social Development develops legislative and/or policy mechanisms that will enable SASSA to build its own offices if it manages to secure vacant land,” the agency said.
Tolashe emphasised that SASSA services are essential and must be delivered from facilities that are safe, accessible and compliant with required standards.
“We must be clear on one point: When a SASSA office cannot operate effectively, it is not the state that suffers – it is the poorest and most vulnerable members of our society, including older persons, persons with disabilities and families who rely on social assistance as their only source of income, thereby compromising the Batho Pele Principles,” she said.
While the SASSA Act of 2004 allows the agency, with ministerial approval, to explore ways to acquire and manage property, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure remains the custodian of state-owned office facilities.
According to Tolashe, this arrangement—originally intended to ensure coordinated management of government infrastructure—has faced challenges, including procurement delays, occupational health and safety concerns, and broader infrastructure issues.
“These conditions undermine the quality of service provided to beneficiaries and erode public confidence in the system,” she said.
The minister added that the department is working closely with several stakeholders to address these issues, including the National Development Agency, municipalities and traditional leaders.
“We are not sitting on our laurels; hence we have commenced reviewing the current property arrangements, strengthening infrastructure planning, improving coordination across all spheres of government and ensuring that SASSA offices provide services in facilities that meet the standards our people deserve,” she said.
Matlou also provided an update on developments in KwaZulu-Natal, confirming that approval has been granted for several office projects in the province.
These include facilities in the Pietermaritzburg District, Pongola, Mooi River, Ixopo, the regional office in Durban, as well as offices in uMzimkhulu, Mandeni and Verulam.
“We are happy to brief the committee that we have since moved with speed in ensuring that we have adequate offices that will ensure efficient service delivery,” Matlou said.
“Pongola and Pietermaritzburg Districts, as well as Verulam, have already been advertised. The funding for uMzimkhulu, Ixopo, Mooi River and Mandeni will be finalised in the 2026/2027 financial year.”
Matlou assured the Committee that SASSA offices across the country are receiving urgent attention, with efforts underway to improve maintenance and overall service conditions.
The R14 million allocation will be used to conduct a condition assessment of SASSA office accommodation nationwide. The findings will inform the agency’s long-term Infrastructure and Maintenance Plan aimed at strengthening service delivery.
