South Africa is changing how it pays social grants, moving from the Post Office (SAPO) to Postbank starting September 2025. New applicants will use biometric checks like fingerprints to get their grants, which aims to stop fraud and speed up payments. But many rural communities worry because local pay points are closing, meaning people might have to travel far just to collect money. This big shift mixes new technology with the challenge of keeping trust and support alive in towns and villages. The country hopes this change will protect everyone’s dignity while making the system fairer and safer.
Starting September 1, 2024, South Africa’s SASSA will ask everyone applying for social grants to register their fingerprints and face images. This new biometric system helps stop fraud and makes sure only the right people get support like pensions and child grants. Though some worry about longer lines and new steps, many see it as a way to protect their identity and keep the system fair. This big change shows how technology is helping SASSA build a safer, stronger future for social help.