social grants April

Social grants are set to increase on 1 April 2023. Image: Sassa.

Majority of R2 Billion recklessly spent by SASSA, finds Portfolio Committee

SASSA accused of failing to meet the human and social needs of the poor.

social grants April

Social grants are set to increase on 1 April 2023. Image: Sassa.

On 8 October 2019, the Portfolio Committee of Social Development (PCSD) revealed R2 billion in irregular expenditure by the Department of Social Development (DSD).

In a briefing to the Committee, the Auditor-General (A-G) shared where the bulk of the irregular expenditure was. It confirmed that most of it was incurred by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

DA “alarmed” by SASSA’s irregular expenditure

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has reacted negatively to the news, according to its member of parliament (MP) and Shadow Minister of Social Development, Bridget Masango.

The MP said:

“Sassa has a significant obligation of meeting human and social needs of the poor and vulnerable communities. However, in recent years, it has been failing to effectively carry out this functions [sic]‚ because of poor management, rampant corruption, irregular expenditure and fruitless spending.”

Bridget Masango, DA member of parliament and Shadow Minister of Social Development

PFMA called on to act on reckless expenditures

The Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) appears to be ineffective when it comes to curbing such incidences. The act states how government department accounting officers are required “to take effective and appropriate steps to prevent irregular expenditure.”

The act also outlines how disciplinary measures are to be taken against officials who are found guilty of irregular expenditure. Masango felt that it was now the department’s responsibility to strengthen its financial control systems.

The DA also hoped it would hold those guilty at SASSA and the DSD to account. Bringing those responsible to book would allow such an incident to be avoided in the future.

SASSA money not going to the rightful recipients

The shadow minister stated:

“Social spending that should be focused on the 17 million disadvantaged recipients and has been misappropriated and diverted by corrupt officials and politicians. It is quite astonishing how a department with the second biggest national budget is failing to provide proper services to the poor and most vulnerable.”

Bridget Masango, DA member of parliament and Shadow Minister of Social Development

South African Post Office “in disarray”

The DA member of parliament shared how South Africa’s social services were “in disarray.” She also noted how the newly introduced functions of the South African Post Office (SAPO) were already showing signs of failure.

The shadow minister said SAPO was “falling prey to fraudulent and opportunistic activities that have plagued the grant system for years.” She revealed how the department had “completely disregarded” keeping with compliance and regulations for the past two years.

Masango blames ANC for SASSA spending irregularities

Masango blamed the ongoing irregularities on the inaction from management. She said they had failed to act on officials who neglected their duties and openly contravened legislation.

The DA member of parliament added:

“If the status quo continues, millions of social grant recipients and their dependents will be put at risk. For many South Africans their social grants are the difference between food on the table or going hungry.”

Bridget Masango, DA member of parliament and Shadow Minister of Social Development

The political party noted how all South Africans deserved much more than what the African National Congress (ANC) government was providing. She blamed the state for “continuously” neglecting its duties to the nation.