Parliament's Social Development Committee demands a full investigation into fraud within SASSA's grant payment system. Officials found guilty of misconduct will be held accountable. The committee also raises concerns about SASSA's inefficient queue management system, unresponsive call center, and limited resources at branches.
Officials found guilty of fraud or misconduct related to SASSA ’s grant payment system must be held accountable, said Bridget Masango, chair of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development , on Thursday. Speaking at a briefing in Cape Town, Masango emphasized that the committee will demand a comprehensive investigation into the entire grants payment system conducted by the department and minister.
This call follows allegations of fraud within the R370-a-month Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant last year. Two Stellenbosch University students, Joel Cedras and Veer Gosai, exposed fraudulent SRD applications being made using ID numbers of recently turned 18-year-olds within the payment system run by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). Their findings, presented to Members of Parliament (MPs), prompted Minister Nokuzola Tolashe to commit to investigating the fraud. However, when these findings were presented to MPs in Parliament in November, it became evident that the investigation, costing the state approximately R280,000, had yielded insufficient results. Masango stressed that the department’s investigation must extend beyond the SRD grant system. The Department of Social Development (DSD) has been granted additional time to conduct a thorough investigation into the SRD fraud allegations. While no deadline has been set for a final report, the committee will discuss the matter at its first sitting in February. The committee will also collaborate with the Department of Home Affairs, as ID numbers are crucial for grant applications. Masango firmly stated that any officials found guilty of fraud or misconduct related to the SRD grant investigation will face consequences. Addressing long queues at SASSA branches, Masango revealed that MPs visiting SASSA branches found the queue management system to be ineffective. She also raised concerns about SASSA’s call center, noting that committee members who phoned 212 SASSA offices nationwide received helpful information from only one office, while others were dismissive. She further highlighted that SASSA’s online application system frequently encountered downtime or loadshedding issues, rendering it unreliable. Masango pointed out that numerous teller posts at SASSA branches remained vacant, with some branches operating with limited resources. She described the situation at some branches where only two cubicles were open, but those two only used one computer, effectively leaving only one cubicle operational
SASSA Grant Fraud Investigation Accountability Social Development Queue Management Call Center Limited Resources
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
SASSA Warns Against Fake R500 Festive Season GrantSASSA clarifies that no special R500 grant is being paid out this Christmas. The agency emphasizes that the circulating fake post is a scam and urges citizens to be cautious.
Read more »
SASSA confirms grant payment dates for January 2025The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed its all-important payment dates for January 2025.
Read more »
“Eyohh, What a Waste”: SA Reacts to Young Man Buying iPhone 13 With SASSA Grant SavingsA South African man's decision to purchase an iPhone 13 using saved SASSA grant money has sparked debate about responsible use of social relief funds.
Read more »
Sassa and SRD Grant Payments for January 2025Get the latest update on Sassa social grant payments, including dates for various grants, SRD grant information, and payment methods.
Read more »
SASSA reminds recipients of grant payment dates for January 2025The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has reminded all concerned of its all-important payment dates for January 2025.
Read more »
Sassa problems and glitches this year, will we get a basic income grant in 2025?The possibility of a Basic Income Grant for 2025 hangs in a delicate balance, complicated by systemic challenges, while Sassa SRD contested.
Read more »