e-PIPS: enhanced Payroll Integrity Protection System

Advanced Biometric Verification for Public Service Integrity

In South Africa's public sector, payroll fraud such as ghost employees and identity impersonation drains millions of rands in public funds annually, undermining service delivery. e-PIPS addresses this critical issue through advanced biometric verification, validating employee existence to ensure payroll accuracy and protect against fraud. Your participation in this process helps eliminate corruption, safeguards taxpayer money, and promotes a transparent and accountable government for the benefit of all.

Identity document checks

Your document is read and its identity details are checked against the employee record. A checksum checks the structure of South African ID numbers.

Photo comparison

Your live photo and document photo are securely submitted for an administrator to compare. The system does not perform an automated face match.

Liveness check

Follow the camera instructions to blink and turn your head. These checks support the review; they do not prove identity on their own.

Ready to Verify?

Click on the button to get started. Please keep your identity document close at hand.

Eastern Cape - Home of Legends

Last Updated: 22 August 2025

The Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury ("we", "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy details our legal basis and methods for collecting, using, and safeguarding your personal information through the e-PIPS platform.

1. Legal Mandate & Purpose Specification

Our mandate to verify public servant information stems from our responsibility to ensure efficient and effective management of public funds. This duty is enshrined in the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), 1 of 1999, which compels accounting officers to manage revenue, expenditure, assets, and liabilities to prevent irregular and fruitless expenditure. This verification process is a critical internal control measure to combat payroll fraud and uphold the integrity of the public service, a goal aligned with national initiatives like "Operation Clean Audit".

Furthermore, this initiative supports the Eastern Cape Provincial Development Plan (PDP), which identifies capable, ethical governance as foundational to economic growth and social development. By ensuring that only legitimate employees are on the payroll, we strengthen institutional integrity and direct public funds appropriately. Your data is collected exclusively for verifying employment and preventing payroll fraud under the authority of the PFMA and the Public Service Act.

2. Lawful Processing under POPIA

We process your information in strict compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), 4 of 2013. According to Section 11 of POPIA, processing is lawful if it "complies with an obligation imposed by law on the responsible party" or is "necessary for the proper performance of a public law duty by a public body". Our duties under the PFMA and the Public Service Act, 1994, which governs the administration of the public service, provide this legal basis. We process your personal information, including special personal information such as biometrics, lawfully and reasonably.

The information we collect includes:

Personal Information: Full names, ID number, a digital copy of your ID document, and your PERSAL number as governed by the Labour Relations Act (LRA), 66 of 1995. Special Personal Information: This includes your biometric information (live facial data). The processing of biometric data is generally prohibited but is permitted under Section 27(1)(b) of POPIA if it is "necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of a right or obligation in law". Our obligation to prevent fraudulent expenditure under the PFMA constitutes such a legal obligation.

3. Your Consent & Rights

While we have a legal mandate, POPIA emphasizes transparency. We require your explicit consent as a "voluntary, specific and informed expression of will" and as a prerequisite for this verification process. By consenting, you acknowledge the purpose of this verification. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time; however, refusal may affect the verification of your employment status. You also have the right to request access to, correction, or deletion of your personal information as outlined in POPIA.

4. Data Security & Retention

We are legally bound to secure the integrity and confidentiality of your data. We implement robust technical and organizational measures to prevent loss, damage, or unauthorized access, in line with the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA), 25 of 2002. These measures include encryption, access controls, regular security audits, and employee training on data protection. Your data will not be retained for longer than is necessary to achieve the purpose of verification, subject to any longer retention periods prescribed by other applicable laws, such as archival requirements under the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa Act.

By accessing and using the e-PIPS platform, you agree to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions.

1. Authorized Purpose

This system is the property of the Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury and is intended for the sole use of authorized government employees for the explicit purpose of employment verification. This action is undertaken to ensure accountability and sound financial governance within the province. Any unauthorized access, use, or modification of this system is strictly prohibited. Misuse of the system is considered a disciplinary offense and may constitute a criminal offense under the Criminal Procedure Act, 51 of 1977.

2. Your Obligation

As a user, you are obligated to provide complete and accurate information. You must present a legitimate, government-issued identification document as defined by the Identification Act, 68 of 1997, which provides for the issuing of official identity cards.

Any submission of false information, impersonation, or attempt to defraud the system constitutes a serious offense. Such actions will be investigated and may lead to disciplinary proceedings as per the Public Service Code of Conduct, and/or criminal prosecution under the Criminal Procedure Act, 51 of 1977. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any access credentials provided to you.

3. Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

This system is provided on an "as-is" basis. While we strive for accuracy and security, the Provincial Treasury is not liable for any direct or indirect damages arising from the use or inability to use this platform, except where such liability is explicitly mandated by law. We do not guarantee uninterrupted access and reserve the right to perform maintenance as needed. This includes, but is not limited to, any losses due to technical failures, inaccuracies in verification, or third-party actions.

4. System Integrity

You agree not to engage in any activity that could compromise the security or functionality of the e-PIPS platform. This includes, but is not limited to, introducing malicious code, attempting to bypass security measures, or performing any action that places an unreasonable load on our infrastructure. Violations may result in immediate suspension of access and legal action.