• South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) launches new facial recognition system
• SASSA seeks to tackle fraud after two Stellenbosch University students uncover fraud within agency
• South Africans are divided over the initiative, with some wondering how the agency would handle it

South African social Security (SASSA) is committed to fighting fraud.

The agency plans to roll out facial recognition nationwide as an additional security measure to prevent fraud.

The announcement comes after two computer science students from Stellenbosch University discovered significant fraud within SASSA.

Students discover fraud at SASSA

The two first-year students discovered fraud with the Social Relief Grant (SRD) applications, because they found applications in their names.

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The funds were paid into bank accounts that did not belong to them.

SASSA launches pilot project in Eastern Cape

While there are plans to roll out the system across the country, SASSA has already launched a pilot project in the Eastern Cape.

SASSA Spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi explained that there were challenges, particularly because many citizens did not have access to smart gadgets.

“Facial recognition was implemented, but obviously it was a pilot process that basically started in the Eastern Cape. We intend to roll it out across the country. However, we also recognize that there are people who still do not have access to gadgets, like your smartphones,” he said.

“So we need to make sure these people are taken care of.” So they can go to a SASSA office and do the verification,” he explained.

South Africans divided over new plan

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While some netizens praised the idea, others wondered how SASSA would handle it.

James Kanelo said:

“But we all know that as far as our government is concerned, the system will be offline. Our grandmothers will return home without money.

Désiré van der Merwe added:

“This will reduce fraud.”

@PantsiMelikhaya said:

“Condemn. What systems would they use because they are compromised?”

@Trompies015 added:

“Long overdue. »

@LetlatsaMo1345 asked:

“How much will it cost and who will win the tender?” »

Mzansi sick of SASSA incompetence

In brief News previously reported that some netizens were fed up with the attitude of SASSA employees.

Internet users were unhappy with employees in a branch after closing the office doors after the start of the business day.

People became frustrated after being left outside, including an impatient grandmother who didn’t hesitate to share her thoughts.

Source: In Brief News