The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has dismissed 65 officials in disciplinary cases since April 2025, the agency said. Chief executive Themba Matlou also raised concern over death threats against staff who handle these cases.
According to SASSA, the agency received 134 cases involving its officials during this period. It said 106 of these cases had been finalised, while 28 were still pending.
“We are sending a clear message to every official that no one is above the law, no one is beyond accountability, and no one will be allowed to abuse their position at the expense of vulnerable beneficiaries and the South African taxpayer,” Matlou said.
Matlou welcomed the latest dismissal of four officials. They were found guilty of different forms of misconduct.
“The dismissal of these four officials demonstrates that our efforts to strengthen accountability and protect the social grant system are yielding tangible results,” he said.
Of the 106 finalised cases, 65 ended in dismissals, SASSA said. Other outcomes included written warnings, final written warnings and suspensions without pay. Some officials resigned while their disciplinary hearings were still going on.
The agency said 16 cases were withdrawn. Four officials were found not guilty.
The Eastern Cape had the most dismissals among the provinces listed, with 19 officials losing their jobs since April 2025. Mpumalanga and Gauteng each recorded 13 dismissals. KwaZulu-Natal recorded 11.
Matlou said SASSA was strengthening its internal systems. He said the agency was closing gaps that could allow fraud or other misconduct to take place.
The agency said it was also working to get better at finding, preventing, investigating and resolving cases. It said officials found guilty would face the right consequences.
“Our Anti-Fraud Strategy is coming to fruition. We are strengthening our systems, closing loopholes, pursuing allegations of wrongdoing and ensuring that those found guilty face the consequences of their actions,” Matlou said.
“We will not allow individuals to turn a public institution entrusted with the welfare of our people into a vehicle for personal gain,” he added.
Matlou said disciplinary processes must still be fair and follow the correct procedures. He said each case had to be judged on its own facts. Officials must be given their rights throughout the process, he said.
He also spoke about death threats received by SASSA officials who deal with cases of alleged misconduct. Matlou condemned intimidation, threats and attempts to block officials from doing their work.
He said the agency supported employees who acted within the law and in the public interest.
SASSA said claims of wrongdoing would still be handled through its existing investigation and disciplinary steps. It said law enforcement processes would be followed where needed.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL. Image: IOL. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice News desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Kgomotso Maake covers news and politics for Tzaneen Voice. Kgomotso reports on government, Parliament, municipalities, courts, crime and service delivery across South Africa, with a close eye on how national decisions reach towns like Tzaneen and the wider Limpopo province. Stories are written in plain English and focus on the facts: who made the decision, what it means, and what happens next.