Major issues prompt closure of Johannesburg SASSA office

A key Johannesburg SASSA office has closed until further notice after eight agency officials at the location were suspended. The closure comes at a particularly difficult time for SASSA, as it rolls out mandatory biometric enrolment and strict income checks.

The agency cited “operational challenges” at the Johannesburg office and said the closure is necessary to address “underlying issues affecting services” there. However, there is more to the story…

JOHANNESBURG SASSA OFFICE CLOSURE

The South African Social Security Agency took to social media this week, regarding the Johannesburg SASSA office closure. The agency explained that eight officials were arrested and charged for fraud in the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court. As such, the agency says it reaffirms its commitment to a “zero-tolerance approach for malfeasance.”

But what does this mean for ‘core’ SASSA beneficiaries in Gauteng who need in-office assistance? September 2025 marks the start of the agency’s mandatory biometric enrolment rollout, requiring all new applicants and those due for income reviews to visit a SASSA office in person.

STAFF REDEPLOYED

SASSA says it is redeploying agency staff in stages to other Johannesburg offices, specifically Westbury Hills, South Hills Community Hall, and Cosmo City Multipurpose Centre, to cover the shortfall. To ensure the best service, beneficiaries should check the updated service dates and times.

• Westbury: Monday – Tuesday 08h00 to 15h00
• Cosmo City: Thursday – Friday 08h00 to 15h00
• South Hills: Monday 08h00 to 15h00

The following outreach days across various Johannesburg SASSA offices will further assist affected SASSA beneficiaries:

• South Hills/Glenanda: 17 September, 8 & 22 October, 12 & 26 November and 10 December 2025.
• Malvern/Jeppestown: 10 September, 1 & 15 October, 5 November and 3 December 2025.
• Berea/Yeoville/Braamfontein/Hillbrow: 23 September, 15 October, 19 November and 23 December 2025.