“Dlamini is determined to defy the Con Court” for illegal contract – DA
The Democratic Alliance has commented on reports that Bathabile Dlamini will again extend the social grant contract with CPS.
On Friday, the front page of the Mail & Guardian led with the news that the now infamous South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) wants to extend the contract of Cash Payment Services (CPS) for a further six months. The catch? The Constitutional Court ruled that the contract was invalid and must end on March 31.
The Mail & Guardian reports that the extension is part of the latest Sassa based report to the court. The report also apparently does next to nothing in terms of helping calm the fears that millions may face another grant payment crisis.
DA Shadow Minister of Social Development, Bridget Masango has released a statement on the report. Unsurprisingly, Minister Bathabile Dlamini is in the firing line.
Masango says it is clear what Dlamini is attempting to do.
“Reports that the South African Social Security Agency’s (SASSA) plans to extend the CPS contact by a further six months is yet another clear attempt by Minister Bathabile Dlamini to defy the Constitutional court and prolong the grants crisis.”
The DA says it will submit Parliamentary questions to Minister Dlamini asking her to provide “clarity on the proposed contract extension with CPS, especially the financial benefits that could possibly accrue to the company as a result of this extension.”
Masango also notes the fact that Dlamini and Sassa look to be playing to suit CPS’ rules.
“It is very suspicious that the tender specifications for the proposed contract extension are ‘tailor-made’ to suit CPS. The DA finds this highly irregular and may be a violation of public procurement procedures as specified by National Treasury.”
“SASSA’s claim that its current negotiations with the South Africa Postal Office (SAPO) did not factor in grants distribution in the rural areas is simply disingenuous.”
Masango goes on to accuse Dlamini of using “every trick in the book” to ensure the illegal contract remains in place for as long as possible.
Whatever happens, let’s hope the people that need the grants most, never have to miss their money due to government incompetence.
