KUGOMPO CITY- South African Social Security Agency(SASSA), Chief Executive Officer(CEO) Themba Matlou hosted an exclusive media engagement at the Kennaway Hotel in KuGompo City on 12th September 2026 to mark two decades of social assistance in South Africa.
The session provided a comprehensive reflection on SASSA’s 20 year’ journey of social protection, which the agency describes as: ’20 YEARS. MILLIONS OF LIVES. ONE SOCIAL PROTECTION JOURNEY.’
However, the engagement forms part of SASSA’s broader commemorative activities, celebrating the agency’s contribution to social protection in South Africa.
Matlou said the agency is focused on modernising its services to make social protection more accessible to South Africans, particularly vulnerable women and other people in need.
Matlou, further added that SASSA plays an important role in ensuring that South Africans have access to social services and protection during difficult economic times.
“SASSA is at the centre of making sure that South Africans are provided with social services and social protection, especially women during these difficult times,” said Matlou.
CEO emphasised that, the agency has introduced self-service options, including kiosks and other digital platforms to allow beneficiaries to access certain services without having to visit SASSA offices.
Furthermore, the conversation focused on four key agenda items which is protecting the integrity and sustainability of the social grants system, modernising SASSA services and improving the beneficiary experience, strengthening accountability and combating fraud and the vision for SASSA beyond 20 years.
SASSA Executive Manager, Zodwa Mvulane said the organisation has introduced new technology to improve service delivery and reduce long queues at its offices.
Mvulane highlighted the self-service kiosks, which allow beneficiaries to complete certain services online without having to rely on an official for assistance.
She also responded to a proposal from the media to provide chairs for beneficiaries to sit on while waiting at SASSA offices.
Mvulane said providing chairs would not address the problem of long queues, as SASSA is working to reduce the time people spend waiting.
“We cannot do that because we are fighting long queues at SASSA. If we bring chairs, all these efforts will be going down the drain,” she said.
However, Matlou said the agency now needs to look towards modernising its operations to meet the changing needs of beneficiaries.
“As we look into the future, we need to modernise the institution. It must be accessible to everyone,” he said.
The engagement comes as the agency continues to emphasise its mandate of ‘paying the right social grant, to the right person, at the right time and place.
NJALO!’Mvulane further stated that SASSA is committed to fighting corruption and ensuring that beneficiaries receive the services and support they are entitled to.
Regional Executive Manager Bandile Maqetuka said the organisation would continue working closely with stakeholders to prioritise the needs of citizens and ensure that their interests are protected.
“We will continue working closely with our stakeholders to prioritise the needs of our citizens and protect them. We will also make sure that there is no corruption under our watch,” said Maqetuka.
As SASSA marks 20 years of social protection, the agency says it will continue modernising its services, strengthening accountability and fighting corruption to ensure beneficiaries receive accessible, efficient and reliable social assistance.
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