List Of Over 73,000 Ghost Workers Who Receive Salary Without Working Exposed

South Africa’s social grant system is facing renewed scrutiny after a report revealed the existence of more than 73,000 “ghost beneficiaries” receiving payments without valid documentation. The fraudulent claims, which include deceased individuals, state employees, and company directors, point to systemic weaknesses in the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

According to the findings, the fraud cuts across multiple sectors. State employees were found unlawfully drawing grants designed for vulnerable citizens, while company directors — many with stable incomes — also appeared on the list. In the informal sector, individuals exploited duplicate or false identities to access funds. Even more shocking, payments continued to be made to deceased recipients, exposing poor integration between SASSA and the Department of Home Affairs’ death records.

The irregularities were uncovered through enhanced verification checks, including cross-referencing with Home Affairs and credit bureau data. In 2025, SASSA suspended payments to more than 210,000 beneficiaries for failing to disclose additional income, many of whom were linked to the public and private sectors. The agency’s new face-to-face review process also exposed cases where deceased beneficiaries could not appear, highlighting glaring gaps in the system.

The consequences of these ghost beneficiaries are severe. Billions of rand are being diverted away from impoverished households who rely on grants for survival. Public trust in SASSA has also been undermined, as the revelations expose both ethical breaches by officials and administrative failures by the agency.

Experts argue that stronger verification is crucial. Recommended measures include improved collaboration with Home Affairs, stricter income disclosure enforcement, and the introduction of biometric checks to prevent duplication. By tightening its systems, SASSA could restore integrity to the grant programme and ensure funds reach the millions of South Africans who genuinely need them.

https://x.com/TimesLIVE/status/1964937228129550501?t=WjjjXlZB_SRAxe-vchS5Zw&s=19

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