By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has investigated 701 suspected cases of fraud with a potential loss of R50 million that involved 40 of its officials.
This was revealed by Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu in response to parliamentary questions by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Laetitia Arries.
Zulu confirmed 40 workers at the agency were implicated in 701 suspected cases of fraud.
“These cases ranged from fraudulent collection of grants intended for deceased individuals, the submission of disability grant applications with falsified medical information, and the illicit collection of child support grants,” the minister said.
“For the period under review, approximately 701 suspected cases of fraud were detected, investigated, involving 40 Sassa officials who were implicated to the potential loss of R50 515 541.34.”
Zulu detailed consequence management instituted against officials implicated in corrupt practices, showing that it is doubtful that any corruption-linked officials will face any consequences.
In total, she said that there have been 84 officials that have faced disciplinary investigations across the country.
However, of the 62 cases that have been finalised, only two have lost their jobs. In comparison, 19 officials were given a final written warning.
Hence, it is improbable that any investigations into corruption at SASSA have severe consequences for those involved.
“It should also be noted that some fraud cases are being investigated or handled by external or third parties like SIU, Public Protector, National Treasury and SAPS,” Zulu added.
According to the latest General Household Survey by Stats SA, grants are the primary source of income for roughly 25% of South African households.
They are also the second most important source of income for close to 50% of the South African population after salaries.
SASSA has also faced significant inefficiencies over the last several weeks.
In September, Postbank said it was experiencing major technical issues, limiting the ability of close to 500,000 people to access their funds from ATMs and retailers.