The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Gauteng has warned that it will not tolerate any form of fraud or corruption by its officials.
The agency made the remarks as it welcomed the dismissal of four officials found guilty of fraud and the unauthorised alteration of a beneficiary’s payment details.
Two of the officials were based at the Pretoria and Soshanguve local offices, respectively, and were dismissed for dishonesty relating to the alleged processing and verification of a fraudulent social grant application involving a couple.
Two other officials, based at the Fochville and Roodepoort local offices, were also dismissed following disciplinary proceedings relating to the unauthorised alteration of a social grant recipient’s payment details without their consent.
SASSA’s acting Regional Executive Manager, Motshele Mohlamonyane, welcomed the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings.
“We welcome the outcome of these disciplinary proceedings and reaffirm SASSA’s commitment to accountability and consequence management. The agency strives to act promptly when allegations of wrongdoing arise and to ensure that appropriate action is taken through established disciplinary processes.
“SASSA has a responsibility to protect the integrity of the social assistance system and ensure that social grants are administered lawfully and in the best interests of beneficiaries,” said Mohlamonyane.
He highlighted that dishonesty, the processing of fraudulent grant applications and the unauthorised alteration of beneficiary details undermine public trust in the agency and will not be tolerated.
Despite the officials’ dismissal, Mohlamonyane added that criminal investigations were still ongoing.
“We will continue to co-operate with the relevant authorities as required. Our priority remains safeguarding public funds, protecting beneficiaries and ensuring that social assistance reaches those who qualify for it,” said the acting regional executive manager.
He assured the public that the agency was committed to strengthening internal controls, enhancing monitoring mechanisms and implementing appropriate consequence management measures to detect, prevent and address fraud and corruption.
The agency urged members of the public and employees to report suspected fraud to their nearest SASSA office or directly to law enforcement authorities.
“Reports may be made anonymously. The public is also urged not to collude with officials or take part in any activity intended to defraud the social assistance system,” warned Mohlamonyane.
