Question NW2370 to the Minister of Social Development
29 November 2021 - NW2370
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Social Development
In light of the recent court case in East London where SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) officials appeared in court for work which was contracted, but not done in the past five years, what total amount has SASSA lost to contractors who were appointed and paid for work not done?
Reply:
I do not have knowledge of any other contractor that SASSA has paid without work being done except this one.
The case of fraud and corruption was opened in March 2019 (Case no. 133/03/2019) in Qeberha (not East London). This matter was finalised through SASSA’s internal disciplinary processes and the official was dismissed in 2019. The case is currently in court scheduled for the 6th of December 2021.
The total amount involved in this particular case is R1 174 777, 59 (One million, one hundred and seventy-four thousand, seven hundred and seventy-seven rand – fifty-nine cents.
The SIU (in terms of Proclamation No. R. 37 of 2019) launched an investigation into this matter. It should be noted the SIU has a legal duty to submit the investigation report only to the President, and not to SASSA. It is envisaged in the event there are recommendations necessitating SASSA implements certain recommendations, SIU will communicate the investigation report.