Sassa has axed 65 officials over misconduct since April 2025

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ExpandThemba Matlou, Sassa’s CEO, says the agency’s anti-fraud strategy is delivering results. Picture: Freddy Mavunda The SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) has dismissed 65 officials who have been found guilty of misconduct since April 2025, with its CEO, Themba Matlou, saying the agency’s anti-fraud strategy was delivering results.

Matlou welcomed the recent dismissal of four officials found guilty of various forms of misconduct, saying Sassa would not tolerate wrongdoing that undermined the integrity of the social grant system.

“The dismissal of these four officials demonstrates that our efforts to strengthen accountability and protect the social grant system are yielding tangible results,” said Matlou. “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.”

Since April 2025, Sassa has received 134 cases involving alleged misconduct and fraud by its officials. Of these, 106 have been finalised, while 28 are pending.

Of the finalised cases, 65 officials were dismissed. Other disciplinary outcomes included written warnings, final written warnings and suspensions without pay. Some officials resigned during disciplinary proceedings, while 16 cases were withdrawn, and four officials were found not guilty.

Matlou said the agency was moving beyond identifying irregularities to ensuring allegations were investigated, disciplinary processes concluded and appropriate action taken against officials found guilty of transgressions.

“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,” he said. “This is what accountability looks like in practice. We will not allow individuals to turn a public institution entrusted with the welfare of our people into a vehicle for personal gain.”

The Eastern Cape recorded the highest number of dismissals since April 2025, with 19 officials dismissed. Mpumalanga and Gauteng each had 13 dismissals, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 11.

Matlou said the figures highlighted the need for continued vigilance across all provinces and operational units. The agency would continue strengthening internal controls, oversight mechanisms and investigative capacity.

He also expressed concern about death threats received by Sassa officials dealing with cases involving alleged misconduct and transgressions.

Matlou condemned attempts to intimidate, threaten or obstruct officials carrying out their responsibilities to protect the integrity of the social grant system.

He said Sassa would continue supporting officials who acted within the law and in the public interest, while ensuring allegations of misconduct were handled through established investigative, disciplinary and law-enforcement processes where applicable.

The CEO said the fight against fraud required sustained commitment, professional courage and co-operation across the agency, particularly where officials faced intimidation or resistance.

He pledged to tighten controls, strengthen fraud prevention and detection, improve the investigation and resolution of reported cases, and apply consequences to officials found guilty of wrongdoing.

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