Sassa payment plan
Bathabile Dlamini says ready to defend herself in court inquiry
The Social Development Minister said the inquiry will expose issues behind the scenes that scuppered reporting to the Constitutional Court on time.
After delays of almost two months, Sassa says due diligence has now been carried out.
An independent panel has filed a damning first report, accusing Sassa of blocking access to information, and of failing to have a concrete plan or contingency measures in place to meet the court’s directives.
Former head Thokozani Magwaza left the agency under a cloud in July after his contract was terminated.
The work streams were projected to cost around R47 million but Sassa’s Thokozani Magwaza says there may be challenges.
Themba Godi says the committee will closely monitor the South African Social Security Agency to ensure it complies with a Constitutional Court order to take over social grant payments next year.
Scopa chair Themba Godi says it’s particularly pleased the court has ordered protection of the personal data of grant recipients.
On Friday the court extended the Cash Paymaster Service (CPS) contract for 12 months.
Minister Bathabile Dlamani apologised to grant beneficiaries for anxiety caused, saying the 'winners' the court judgment are the people of South Africa.
Net1 has also reiterated its commitment to helping Sassa during the interim payment period.
Bathabile Dlamini and Sassa missed the Monday deadline, and missed another crucial deadline on Tuesday by 11 minutes.
Bathabile Dlamini insists that grant recipients will receive their money with no interruptions.
Sassa wants the Public Protector and the Auditor General to monitor 'the terms and implementation of the interim contract' to be signed with CPS.
The court wants to know when Sassa knew that it wouldn’t be able to take over the payment process and why it wasn’t informed.
The department has listed a number of problems with using the banking system including the fact that it does not use biometrics.
The union also intends to hand over a memorandum listing their grievances.
Minister Jeff Radebe was asked if government would take any action over the crisis, but he would not reveal any details.
Minister Bathabile Dlamini has already appeared before Parliament’s Scopa to explain the current social grants debacle.
Minister Bathabile Dlamini did confirm that the contract would be for two years.