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2014 deadline for SASSA automation
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RedditThe South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) says its application, payment, and beneficiary maintenance processes will be automated by 2014 – with testing set to begin in November.
In its annual report, the agency revealed that it will focus on developing an automated end-to-end solution between 2012 and 2014.
The solution will include direct single capture information; biometric access for applicants and beneficiaries to process: an electronic (virtual) registry and online interfaces to external databases for validation of information.
SASSA previously came under fire from the AG following irregular expenditure of R64 million and for high levels of fraud across the agency.
In March, following a qualified audit report from the Auditor General for poor record management and missing critical documentation, the agency revealed it would focus on moving away from its manual system.
The system is also expected to improve validation of identity and facilitate enrolment for payment, scanning in supporting documents and to create multiple access points for take on, maintenance functions and payments.
SASSA CEO, Virginia Peterson, notes that the end-to-end solution was critical and stress testing would be done across the province. Addressing Parliament, Peterson, noted that the process would begin in November as the agency prepared to switch systems.
Peterson also revealed that Sassa was looking to switch over to Oracle – a system it would use for its grants and administration processes.
The introduction of a biometric enrolment of beneficiaries at point of application would also be introduced to reduce internal risk. Every worker that worked with a customer would need to have a biometric enrolment – a move the agency hopes would be more secure than having a password.
Among the long-term projects for 2014/16, will be the implementation of its new payment model. The implementation of an end-to-end solution would see Sassa own all businesses from take on, through payment and maintenance for the complete life cycle of the grant.
