The agency said it received 134 cases involving alleged misconduct and fraud by officials since April 2025. Of these, 106 had been finalised, while 28 remained pending. Image: AI Generated.
Fraud
1Min
South Africa
SASSA dismisses 65 officials in fraud and misconduct cases
SASSA has finalised 106 disciplinary cases involving alleged fraud and misconduct since April 2025, resulting in 65 dismissals. The agency has also raised concerns over death threats against officials handling cases of alleged wrongdoing.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has dismissed 65 officials following disciplinary proceedings involving alleged fraud and misconduct since April 2025, as it intensifies efforts to protect the integrity of the social grant system.
SASSA chief executive officer Themba Matlou said the dismissals demonstrated the agency’s commitment to accountability and protecting public funds intended to support vulnerable South Africans.
“The dismissal of these four officials demonstrates that our efforts to strengthen accountability and protect the social grant system are yielding tangible results,” Matlou said.
He stressed that the agency would not tolerate misconduct that undermines public trust or compromises the administration of social assistance.
The agency said it received 134 cases involving alleged misconduct and fraud by officials since April 2025. Of these, 106 had been finalised, while 28 remained pending.
Apart from dismissals, disciplinary outcomes included written warnings, final written warnings and suspensions without pay. Some officials resigned while proceedings were under way, 16 cases were withdrawn and four officials were found not guilty.
Matlou said the agency’s anti-fraud strategy was strengthening its ability to detect, prevent and investigate wrongdoing, while ensuring that officials found guilty faced appropriate 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,” he said.
Eastern Cape leads in dismissals
The Eastern Cape recorded the highest number of dismissals since April 2025, with 19 officials losing their jobs.
Mpumalanga and Gauteng each recorded 13 dismissals, while KwaZulu-Natal reported 11.
Matlou said the figures highlighted the need for continued vigilance across SASSA’s provincial offices and operational units.
He added that the agency would continue strengthening internal controls, oversight mechanisms and investigative capacity to address risks wherever they were identified.
Death threats raise concern
Matlou also expressed concern over death threats received by SASSA officials dealing with cases of alleged misconduct.
He condemned attempts to intimidate or obstruct officials carrying out their duties, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to supporting employees who act lawfully and in the public interest.
The CEO said allegations of wrongdoing would continue to be addressed through established investigative, disciplinary and law-enforcement processes where applicable.
He acknowledged that tackling fraud required sustained commitment and cooperation, particularly when officials faced intimidation or resistance.
Matlou said SASSA would continue improving fraud prevention and detection, strengthening investigations and applying appropriate sanctions against officials found guilty of misconduct.
The agency said these measures were aimed at safeguarding public resources and protecting the social grant system relied on by millions of South Africans.
