SASSA Review Backlog Causes Long Queues at Thokoza Office — What Affected Beneficiaries Should Do

Hundreds of beneficiaries queued from early morning at the Thokoza SASSA office in Gauteng as the grant review backlog creates chaos. Here is what to do if your payment is affected.

What Happened at Thokoza

On Monday, 28 July 2026, hundreds of beneficiaries gathered at the Thokoza SASSA office from as early as 05:00, hoping to complete their grant reviews. Many reported that they had been trying for weeks to resolve their review status without success. Some beneficiaries said they had not been paid since June 2026 because their grants were suspended pending review.

Why the Backlog Exists

The grant review backlog has been building since the Integrity Rollout began in early 2026. Key factors include:

• 70,000+ grants suspended during the Integrity Rollout, all requiring individual review
• eLife Certification failures — many beneficiaries cannot complete the online process due to technical issues
• Limited SASSA office capacity — not enough staff to process the volume of in-person reviews
• Home Affairs database downtime — frequent connectivity issues slow down identity verification

Immediate Steps for Affected Beneficiaries

If you are caught in the review backlog:

1. Do Not Queue Unnecessarily

Before visiting any SASSA office, check your status online first. If your status shows "Referred" or "Under Review" but does not require an office visit, you may be able to wait for the eLife portal to process your information.

2. Try eLife Certification Again

If the eLife portal failed before, try again during off-peak hours (before 08:00 or after 18:00). Clear your browser cache, use Google Chrome, and ensure good lighting for facial recognition.

3. Visit During Off-Peak Times

If you must visit a SASSA office, go on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday afternoon (after 14:00) when queues are shortest. Avoid Monday mornings and Friday afternoons.

4. Bring All Required Documents

When you do visit, bring your original ID, proof of residence, and any SMS notifications from SASSA. Having everything ready will speed up your visit.

5. Contact the SASSA Helpline

Call 0800 60 10 11 to check if your review can be processed without an office visit. Some reviews can be completed over the phone.

The Bigger Picture

The Thokoza situation highlights the broader challenges with the 2026 Integrity Rollout. While SASSA's new R40-million overhaul (announced this week) aims to add 1,000 staff and extend office hours, these changes will take time to implement.

Sources

• Eyewitness reports from Thokoza SASSA office, 28 July 2026
• SASSA Gauteng regional office statement