By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former Minister Bathabile Dlamini is to be prosecuted for perjury.
The charges relate to her testimony during an inquiry by the Constitutional Court in 2018 into the social grant crisis.
In 2018, the centre for applied legal studies represented by the Black Sash Trust presented evidence that Dlamini failed in her duties to ensure that Sassa was equipped to take over the payments of grants when an invalid contract with Cash Paymaster Services came to an end.
The Constitutional Court later handed down judgment, finding the former minister was reckless and grossly negligent.
A summons has now been issued for her to appear in the Johannesburg Regional Court in September.
Meanwhile the Black Sash Trust and the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS) on Tuesday welcomed the decision by the director of public prosecutions in Gauteng to prosecute former social development minister Bathabile Dlamini for alleged perjury or giving false evidence.
CALS and the Black Sash Trust said the decision to prosecute Dlamini for perjury sent a message to the public that everyone was equal before the law.
“This is a significant moment for holding public officials personally accountable for the execution of their duties and to protect the integrity of the social security system,” said Rachel Bukasa, executive director at the Black Sash Trust.
“The Black Sash remains committed to its goal to ensure that the right to social security is fully realised. While are pleased that the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant has been reinstated with the eligibility criteria expanded to include unemployed caregivers, we will continue to advocate for permanent social assistance for the unemployed while a universal basic income remains the ultimate aim.”