Zuko Komisa
- Four SASSA officials have been dismissed for their involvement in a massive R33 million social grants fraud scheme.
- An internal investigation revealed the employees manipulated the social grants system in collaboration with external crime syndicates.
- SASSA has upheld the sackings on appeal and is tightening internal controls to safeguard public funds intended for vulnerable citizens.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has dismissed four officials from its Nebo Local Office in Sekhukhune following a corruption probe.
The agency’s internal investigation discovered that the employees had actively manipulated the social grants network alongside external syndicates, resulting in fraudulent activity totalling R33 million.
Although the sacked workers appealed against the decision, SASSA’s Appeals Committee upheld the dismissals, citing the gravity of the misconduct and the urgent need to protect public resources.
The agency reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on internal corruption, confirming that it is now implementing stricter internal controls, enhanced system monitoring, and mandatory ethics training to prevent future vulnerabilities.
Emphasising the devastating impact of the scam on South Africa’s welfare system, Regional Executive Manager Mapupula Pheeha stated:
“Fraudulent activities undermine the trust placed in SASSA and deprive vulnerable communities of much-needed support. We will continue to act decisively against any employee found guilty of misconduct.”
SASSA stated that the definitive action demonstrates its commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring total accountability among its workforce while protecting state funds intended for the country’s most vulnerable residents.
READ NEXT: 79 000 grievances: Why slick marketing can no longer hide SA’s internet crisis
