Earlier this 12 months, SASSA CEO Busisiwe Memela-Khambula shared startling particulars to parliament in an annual report. The parliamentary portfolio committee on social improvement heard about billions in underspending, in addition to SASSA workers and the deceased receiving grants. Now, the South African Social Security Agency and the Department of Social Development (DSD) has seen match to droop the SASSA CEO, pending a broader investigation.

SASSA CEO SUSPENDED

Minister Nokuzola Tolashe put out a press launch this week (Tuesday 3 December 2024) through SASSA social media channels. In it, she suspended the SASSA CEO, saying Mamela-Khambula would nonetheless nonetheless obtain full pay. The investigation will look into her appointment as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2019. Apparently, Mamela-Khambula took the information graciously.

However, the suspension is ‘precautionary’ and was solely prompted by the necessity to conduct an intensive investigation without her presence as a hindrance. Being suspended with pay is a standard prevalence when authorities officers are being investigated. Likewise, it’s not unusual for such investigations to hold on for months, if not years, costing the taxpayer hundreds of thousands.

IN THE HOT SEAT SINCE 2019

Criticism levelled towards the management of the suspended SASSA CEO has been ongoing since her appointment again in 2019. The Democratic Alliance (DA) says Memela-Khambula has failed to handle most of the longstanding points at SASSA. Including excessive ranges of corruption, malfunctioning IT systems and endless delays attributable to lack of sources and incompetence.

Additionally, the Office of the Public Protector has raised a ‘myriad of serious issues’ towards SASSA, in line with the discharge. Beyond the widespread struggling for struggling beneficiaries – particularly old-age beneficiaries in 2024 – who face lengthy delays every month and typically no cost in any respect, billions in underspending is a significant concern.

STEER SASSA IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Minister Tolashe stated: “All the decisions that have been taken are to steer SASSA in the right direction. And they are with the best interest of millions of beneficiaries who depend on social assistance to survive. Whilst we deal with a lot of challenges facing SASSA, we must take decisive decisions that ensures our work is transparent. Our efficacy and efficiency will assist the nation in fighting hunger and poverty,” concluded Tolashe.

“Mr. Temba Matlou, Regional Executive Manager in Gauteng, will fill in as acting CEO until the investigation has been concluded,” says the discharge. According to SASSA CEO Busisiwe Memela-Khambula final report, SASSA social grants cost taxpayers R250 billion yearly – 12% of the nation’s nationwide finances. 28-million beneficiaries equate to 45% of the inhabitants being on social welfare, with 19 million of those making up the company’s ‘core’ grants (Old Age, Child Support, Veterans and Disability). And funding for social welfare is drawn from private revenue tax – R739 billion, VAT – R467 billion and company revenue tax – R303 billion.

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