Sassa warns beneficiaries about fake news on COVID-19 grants A WhatsApp message was making its rounds saying that more than 3 million South Africans would receive a R3,500 COVID-19 grant for six months. FILE: Beneficiaries waiting to collect their social grants at the Pimville Post Office in Soweto on 31 March 2020. Picture: Kgomotso Modise/EWN 44 days ago CAPE TOWN - The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has cautioned social grant beneficiaries about fake news circulating on social media. A WhatsApp message has been circulating saying that more than 3 million South Africans would receive a R3,500 COVID-19 grant for six months. It also had a link directing people to apply for the grant.