Author: Nathan Geffen

We have previously reported that the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant system is being defrauded. Here we explain how weak computer systems at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Shoprite and TymeBank allowed large numbers of fraudulent grant applications to be made. Shoprite and TymeBank have taken measures to reduce the risk of fraud. SASSA says it has also taken steps to reduce fraud. Their responses are at the bottom of this article. But concerns remain. The SRD grant was introduced during the Covid pandemic to assist people in dire need. About nine-million of these R370 grants are…