The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has temporarily closed its Johannesburg Local Office, located at 1 Devilliers Street, effective from Monday, 15 September 2025, due to serious fraud allegations involving eight of its officials.
These officials have been arrested and charged in the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court, leading to their suspension pending internal disciplinary processes. SASSA CEO Themba Matlou emphasized the agency’s commitment to a “zero-tolerance approach for malfeasance,” stating that the closure is necessary to address “underlying issues affecting services” at the Johannesburg office.
SASSA Johannesburg Office Closure
This closure comes at a particularly challenging time, as SASSA is in the midst of implementing mandatory biometric enrolment and stringent income verification checks for beneficiaries in Gauteng. These measures require in-person visits to SASSA offices, making the temporary shutdown of the Johannesburg office a significant disruption for many grant recipients.
To minimize the impact on beneficiaries, SASSA has redeployed staff to other Johannesburg locations. The following alternative service points are now operational:
- Westbury Clinic: Monday and Tuesday, 08:00 – 15:00
- Cosmo City Multipurpose Centre: Thursday and Friday, 08:00 – 15:00
- South Hills Community Hall: Mondays, 08:00 – 15:00
Additionally, outreach services are scheduled at various venues across Johannesburg to assist affected beneficiaries. These include locations in South Hills/Glenanda, Malvern/Jeppestown, and Berea/Yeoville/Braamfontein/Hillbrow, with dates extending through December 2025.
SASSA has assured the public that back-office teams are continuing to process applications, inquiries, and other outstanding matters to clear backlogs and strengthen fraud prevention measures. The agency is committed to restoring full functionality at the Johannesburg office as soon as possible and rebuilding public trust in its services.
Beneficiaries are encouraged to utilize the alternative service points and outreach services available during this period. For those unable to visit these locations, SASSA provides several contact options:
- Toll-free helpline: 0800 60 10 11
- Website: srd.sassa.gov.za
- WhatsApp: Send “SASSA” to 082 046 8553
- Email: –
These channels allow beneficiaries to check grant status, update details, and receive guidance without physically visiting a centre.
While the closure of the Johannesburg SASSA office is an unfortunate disruption, SASSA’s proactive measures aim to ensure that beneficiaries continue to receive the support they need during this challenging time.
Guidelines For Beneficiaries
Below are the useful guidelines for beneficiaries dealing with the closure of the Johannesburg SASSA office:
1. How to Prepare Before Visiting Alternative Offices
Beneficiaries should prepare the following documents to ensure their visit is efficient and their requests are processed smoothly:
- A valid South African ID (smart card or barcoded version).
- Proof of residence (such as a utility bill or a letter from a local authority).
- Updated banking details if applicable.
- Any relevant documents related to their grant type (e.g., birth certificate for child grants or medical documents for disability grants).
Beneficiaries are advised to arrive early to avoid long queues and ensure they receive assistance on the same day.
2. Fraud Prevention Tips for Beneficiaries
Given the recent fraud incident, SASSA urges beneficiaries to be cautious and follow these guidelines:
- Do not share your ID or banking details with anyone claiming to be a SASSA representative unless verified.
- Avoid signing documents or agreements unless they are directly linked to your grant.
- Report suspicious calls, messages, or individuals immediately to SASSA’s helpline.
- Keep your personal information up to date through the official website or outreach services.
This helps safeguard personal data and ensures that funds reach the rightful beneficiaries.
3. What Happens If You Miss the Verification Appointment
SASSA understands that not everyone can attend the new service points immediately. If a beneficiary misses their scheduled verification or appointment, they should:
- Contact the nearest office or helpline to reschedule.
- Keep documentation ready to prove identity and eligibility during the next visit.
- Stay updated through SMS alerts and announcements on the official website.
Failing to verify details may result in delays or suspension of payments, so acting promptly is key.
4. Mental Health and Support Services
SASSA recommends that beneficiaries experiencing stress or anxiety due to disruptions in grant services reach out for assistance. Community organizations, local NGOs, and government help desks offer counseling and support groups to assist families and individuals in coping with financial uncertainty.
Details of support networks can be accessed via local clinics, churches, or community centres, and beneficiaries should not hesitate to ask for help.
5. What’s Next for the Johannesburg Office?
SASSA has committed to reviewing and strengthening internal controls to prevent future fraud cases. These measures include:
- Regular audits of grant disbursements.
- Enhanced identity verification processes.
- Increased collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
- Staff training programs focused on ethical service delivery.
Beneficiaries can expect a phased reopening once investigations are completed and preventive systems are fully in place.
6. How Communities Can Help
Community leaders, volunteers, and local organisations are encouraged to assist beneficiaries during this period by:
- Sharing verified information about alternative offices and services.
- Helping the elderly and disabled access facilities.
- Offering transportation assistance where needed.
- Providing guidance on document preparation and communication.
All the above efforts ensure that the community stays informed and supported throughout the disruptions.
Note: This is based on the information available as of September 2025. For the most current updates, from official SASSA communications.
