Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and SASSA

ByAyanda Buhle Hours

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) works with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to help citizens access important services. DHA manages identity documents, birth certificates, and other official records. 

SASSA provides social grants to people who need financial support. This partnership helps make sure that the right people receive grants on time. DHA verifies personal details, while SASSA uses this information to process payments. 

Both agencies aim to make services faster and easier for the public. Their joint work improves accuracy, reduces fraud, and ensures that citizens get the help they deserve without delays.

Let’s check out how SASSA and DHA are working together and improving the lives of vulnerable South Africans in 2026.

What is the Department of Home Affairs (DHA)?

Name of DepartmentDepartment of Home Affairs (DHA)
Established On31 May 1910
Budget 2026R11 Billion
MinisterDr. Leon Schreiber
Websitehttps://www.dha.gov.za/

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is a government agency in South Africa that manages official records and identification. It was established on 31 May 1910.

DHA issues birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates. It also provides identity documents and passports to citizens. DHA controls immigration, processes visas, and grants citizenship to eligible applicants. 

The department plays a key role in protecting national security by verifying personal details and preventing identity fraud. It works with other government agencies to share accurate information. 

DHA services help people prove their identity, travel internationally, and access public benefits. Its goal is to provide fast, secure, and reliable services to all residents of South Africa. The current minister of DHA is Dr. Leon Schreiber. The total budget given to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) in 2026 is R11 billion.

What is the DHA’s Role in SASSA Grant Applications?

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) works with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to confirm the details of every grant applicant. When a person applies for a grant, SASSA sends the personal information to DHA for verification. 

This process ensures that the applicant’s ID number, name, and date of birth match the official national records. It also helps confirm that the applicant is a South African citizen or has legal status in the country.

DHA Helps Confirm Identity for SASSA Grants

DHA provides SASSA with access to its national database. This database contains identity documents, citizenship status, and records of births and deaths. If the details match, SASSA continues with the grant application process. If there is a mismatch, the application is paused until the applicant corrects their records with DHA. This step prevents fraud and ensures that grants reach the right people.

DHA and SASSA Work Together to Prevent Fraud

By sharing accurate records, DHA and SASSA can detect false applications. If an applicant uses an invalid ID or the ID belongs to a deceased person, the system will flag it. This reduces the risk of illegal payments and protects public funds.

Speeds Up SASSA Applications Processing

Once DHA confirms the identity details, SASSA can process the grant faster. Applicants do not need to provide extra proof of citizenship or identity because the information comes directly from DHA. This cooperation makes the process more efficient and ensures that eligible people get their grants without unnecessary delays.

Department of Home Affairs Achievements in 2026

Clearing the Visa Backlog

In 2026, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) cleared over 306,000 pending visa applications. Some had been delayed for more than 10 years. This action allowed thousands of applicants to finally receive decisions on their cases.

Record Smart ID Production

The DHA produced and delivered nearly 3.6 million Smart ID cards in 2026. This figure broke the previous annual record by almost 500,000 cards. It marked the highest production level in South Africa’s history.

Border Security Upgrade

For the first time, the DHA used drones and body cameras at border posts. These tools increased the detection and prevention of illegal crossings by up to 215%.

Operation New Broom Results

Through Operation New Broom, the DHA deported more than 46,000 people living in South Africa without legal status. This was the highest total in over five years and exceeded similar figures from countries like France and Germany.

Launch of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme

The DHA introduced the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) for tourists from China and India. Since February 2025, over 17,000 tourists have received visas through this system. The scheme also created about 1,230 new jobs.

Recognition of Muslim Marriages

In 2026, the DHA began officially recognizing Muslim marriages on Home Affairs marriage certificates. This was the first time such recognition had been given in South Africa.

Smart IDs for Naturalised Citizens

More than 1.4 million naturalized citizens and permanent residents received secure Smart ID cards for the first time. These IDs improved their access to public and private services.

Action Against Corruption

The DHA dismissed 37 officials involved in corruption. It also created the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum. This led to the conviction of 8 people, with prison sentences ranging from 4 to 18 years.

Development of the Electronic Travel Authorisation System

The DHA developed a prototype of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. This digital platform will allow full online visa processing, helping to reduce delays and prevent corruption.

DHA Contact Details

Get in touch with DHA using the following details:

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