Social Development minister Nokuzola Tholashe has suspended South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) chief executive officer (CEO) Busisiwe Memela-Khambula pending the outcome of a probe into her appointment.
Memela-Khambula, appointed CEO in May 2019, has been suspended with full pay. Her suspension comes as the Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa requesting an urgent Presidential Proclamation for the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) to investigate fraud at SASSA. This is after SASSA revealed that an independent investigation has substantiated allegations of widescale fraud within the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R370 grant system.
SASSA CEO SUSPENDED WITH FULL PAY
In a statement, SASSA said Memela-Khambula’s precautionary suspension was prompted by the need to investigate without hindrance or interference, given her position as CEO.
“In addition, minister Tolashe says the public protector’s office has raised many serious issues that have prompted her to take appropriate action as the executive authority over SASSA. She also said the decision was important to protect her dignity and integrity,” the Social Security Agency said.
Meanwhile, Tolashe said all the decisions have been carefully made to steer SASSA in the right direction and are taken in the best interest of the millions of beneficiaries who depend on social assistance.
“While we deal with the challenges facing SASSA, we want to take decisive decisions that will ensure that our work is transparent, effective, and efficient, and we have an organisation that will assist in fighting hunger and poverty in our country,” Tolashe said.
COMMITTEE WELCOMES DECISION
Meanwhile, the Select Committee on Social Services has welcomed Tolashe’s decision.
Committee Chairperson Desery Fienies said they commend Tolashe for her commitment to transparency and accountability, recognising the importance of maintaining public trust in the country’s institutions, especially those that serve our most vulnerable citizens.
“The challenges faced by SASSA are significant, and it is imperative that we navigate them with integrity and diligence.”
“In light of the issues raised by the Office of the Public Protector, we support the Minister’s decision to act in the best interest of SASSA and its beneficiaries. It is crucial for the agency to uphold its mandate to provide social assistance effectively and efficiently to those who rely on it for their livelihoods,” Fienies said.
DO YOU THINK THERE WAS SOMETHING IRREGULAR ABOUT BUSISISWE MEMELA-KHAMBULA’S APPOINTMENT AS SASSA CEO?
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