South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) CEO, Busisiwe Memela-Khambula has been temporarily suspended.
In a statement released by Sassa, the decision to suspend Memela-Khambula follows concerns raised by the Public Protector.
The Public Protector found a "myriad of serious issues” which prompted Social Development Minister, Nokuzola Tolashe to take action.
Minister Tolashe said the decision to temporarily suspend the Sassa CEO was taken to protect the integrity of the process. They said it would allow the agency to investigate without any interference from the now-suspended CEO while a probe into her appointment takes place.
The precautionary suspension is prompted by the need to conduct an investigation without hindrance or interference given Memela-Khambula's position as CEO of Sassa,
Tolashe added the suspension will protect the CEO’s dignity and integrity and praised the humility the CEO demonstrated when the decision to suspend her was communicated.
Whilst we deal with a lot of challenges facing Sassa, we want to take decisive decisions that will ensure that our work is transparent, effective and efficient and we have an organization that will assist in fighting hunger and poverty in our country", she emphasized.
The Minister emphasised that all decisions regarding Sassa must consider the millions of people who rely on social services including Sassa grants to survive.
Sassa distributes over 18 million permanent grant payments, including the Older Persons pension grant, Disability grant, War Veterans grant, Care Dependency grant, Foster Child grant, Child Support grant, Child Support grant Top-Up and Grant-in-aid. This is in addition to the approximately 8 million people who receive Social Relief of Distress Grant payments.
All the decisions that have been taken are to steer Sassa in the right direction and are taken in the best interest of the millions of beneficiaries that depend on social assistance.
Memela-Khambula will receive full pay for the duration of her suspension.
Gauteng Regional Manager, Themba Matlou has been appointed as the Acting Sassa CEO.
