Question NW862 to the Minister of Social Development
10 May 2017 - NW862
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether, with regard to her reply to question 82 on 10 March 2015, the biometric standard has been finalised; if not, why not; if so; (a) what was the total cost of developing the standard, (b) what are the names of the consultants used and (c) what is the total amount that was paid to each consultant?
Reply:
The biometric standard has been finalized and adopted by the Payments Association of South Africa (PASA) for use in the banking environment.
(a) SASSA did not cover the total cost, but initiated the process with the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). During engagements with South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and PASA, SARB issued an instruction to PASA to develop an industry standard for biometrics. SASSA then stopped work on the industry standard, but continued with work on the value of biometrics in social grant payments. The amount paid to CSIR was R 482 964.42 inclusive of VAT.
(b) There were not individual consultants used. SASSA contracted CSIR, a government agency, to undertake the research and development.
(c) CSIR was contracted for a number of work packages, related to the payment of social grants. The total amount of the contract for the development of a biometric enrolment and authentication system was R 3 323 066.94 inclusive of VAT.