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Sassa has rubbished false social media claims that the Old Age Grant will be stopped if documents aren’t updated.
Image for illustrative purposes. Pictures: Sassa.co.za
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has rubbished fake social media posts and screenshots claiming that the Old Age Grant will be stopped in May if specific documents are not updated.
The agency said it noted with concern fake news claiming that the grant will be stopped if certain documents are not updated by 30 April 2025.
“As Sassa we would like to confirm that the message is incorrect and fake. This message is mischievous, and we urge our beneficiaries not to panic, as no grant will be cancelled,” Sassa said in a statement on Wednesday.
The agency made the statement in response to a screenshot from a website, amritavidyalayam.in.
“As we step into a new financial year, thousands of elderly South Africans relying on the Sassa Old Age Grant may face an unexpected disruption,” the website said.
“The Sassa has issued a stern notice: Beneficiaries who do not re-update or re-submit their documents By April 30, 2025, they may lose access to their grants.”
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Sassa said this spread of fake news on social media is unfortunate and creates unnecessary panic for its beneficiaries, particularly the vulnerable. The agency urged everyone to stop sharing fake news.
Only grants that are due for review at a specific period are reviewed by Sassa, and the recipients are
“We appeal to our beneficiaries to rely solely on credible sources of information on our official social media pages,” said Paseka Letsatsi, the SASSA national spokesperson.
“Before anyone can share any information pertaining to social grants, they must first verify its authenticity to avoid disseminating false information that may cause anxiety and stress to our beneficiaries.”
Social grants are the livelihood of more than 19 million beneficiaries. Sassa said false information causes panic and stress among millions of beneficiaries.
“Therefore, we appeal to all South Africans to stop these acts and our beneficiaries to be vigilant and cautious at the information they consume. If you are in doubt, please call our toll-free number, 0800 60 10 11, email GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za or engage us on our social media pages,” the agency concluded.
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