Earlier this year, SASSA CEO Busisiwe Memela-Khambula shared startling details to parliament in an annual report. The parliamentary portfolio committee on social development heard about billions in underspending, as well as SASSA employees and the deceased receiving grants. Now, the South African Social Security Agency and the Department of Social Development (DSD) has seen fit to suspend the SASSA CEO, pending a broader investigation.
SASSA CEO SUSPENDED
Minister Nokuzola Tolashe put out a press release this week (Tuesday 3 December 2024) via SASSA social media channels. In it, she suspended the SASSA CEO, saying Mamela-Khambula would still however receive full pay. The investigation will look into her appointment as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2019. Apparently, Mamela-Khambula took the news graciously.
However, the suspension is ‘precautionary’ and was only prompted by the need to conduct a thorough investigation without her presence as a hindrance. Being suspended with pay is a common occurrence when government officials are being investigated. Likewise, it is not uncommon for such investigations to carry on for months, if not years, costing the taxpayer millions.
IN THE HOT SEAT SINCE 2019
Criticism levelled against the leadership of the suspended SASSA CEO has been ongoing since her appointment back in 2019. The Democratic Alliance (DA) says Memela-Khambula has failed to address many of the longstanding issues at SASSA. Including high levels of corruption, malfunctioning IT systems and endless delays caused by lack of resources and incompetence.
Additionally, the Office of the Public Protector has raised a ‘myriad of serious issues’ against SASSA, according to the release. Beyond the widespread suffering for struggling beneficiaries – especially old-age beneficiaries in 2024 – who face long delays each month and sometimes no payment at all, billions in underspending is a major concern.
STEER SASSA IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Minister Tolashe said: “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 release. According to SASSA CEO Busisiwe Memela-Khambula last report, SASSA social grants cost taxpayers R250 billion annually – 12% of the country’s national budget. 28-million beneficiaries equate to 45% of the population being on social welfare, with 19 million of these making up the agency’s ‘core’ grants (Old Age, Child Support, Veterans and Disability). And funding for social welfare is drawn from personal income tax – R739 billion, VAT – R467 billion and corporate income tax – R303 billion.
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