SASSA dismisses 65 officials in misconduct cases as CEO raises death threats

SASSA has dismissed 65 officials in misconduct cases since April 2025, while CEO Themba Matlou has raised concerns over death threats against officials handling investigations.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has dismissed 65 officials in disciplinary cases since April 2025, as chief executive Themba Matlou warns that misconduct will not be tolerated and raises concern over death threats against officials handling wrongdoing cases.

SASSA received 134 cases involving officials during the period. Of these, 106 had been finalised, while 28 remained pending, according to the agency.

Matlou welcomed the recent dismissal of four officials found guilty of various forms of misconduct, saying the disciplinary action demonstrated the agency’s efforts to strengthen accountability and protect 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.

''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,” Matlou said.

The agency said the disciplinary outcomes formed part of its efforts to address wrongdoing within its ranks and safeguard a public institution responsible for administering social assistance.

Of the 106 finalised cases, 65 resulted in dismissals. Other outcomes included written warnings, final written warnings and suspensions without pay. In some cases, officials resigned while disciplinary proceedings were under way.

Sixteen cases were withdrawn, while four officials were found not guilty.

The Eastern Cape recorded the highest number of dismissals among the provinces listed, with 19 officials losing their jobs since April 2025.

Mpumalanga and Gauteng each recorded 13 dismissals, while KwaZulu-Natal recorded 11.

Matlou said SASSA was strengthening its internal systems and closing gaps that could allow fraud or other misconduct to occur.

The agency is also working to improve its ability to detect, prevent, investigate and resolve cases, while ensuring that officials found guilty face appropriate consequences.

Matlou said the agency’s anti-fraud measures were producing results, with investigations and disciplinary action intended to ensure allegations of wrongdoing were addressed.

“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.

''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,” Matlou said.

He said the agency remained committed to tightening controls, strengthening fraud prevention and detection, improving investigations and ensuring consequence management was applied consistently.

However, Matlou stressed that disciplinary processes had to be fair and procedurally sound. Each case had to be considered on its merits, with officials afforded their applicable rights throughout the process.

Matlou also expressed concern over death threats received by SASSA officials dealing with cases involving alleged misconduct and transgressions.

He condemned intimidation, threats and attempts to obstruct officials carrying out their duties, saying the agency supported employees who acted within the law and in the public interest.

SASSA said allegations of wrongdoing would continue to be addressed through established investigative and disciplinary procedures, with law-enforcement processes followed where applicable.

The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity of the social grant system and ensuring that officials found guilty of misconduct faced the appropriate consequences, while maintaining fair procedures for those subject to disciplinary action.