SASSA beneficiaries green ID book
Here’s why people with green ID books are struggling with SASSA’s new verification process. Photo: SASSA

Home » Watchdog says SASSA grant fraud continues unchecked

Watchdog says SASSA grant fraud continues unchecked

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is raising the red flag on numerous reports of SASSA grant fraud.

By Ray Leathern
13-03-24 10:42
in Business and Finance
SASSA beneficiaries green ID book
Here’s why people with green ID books are struggling with SASSA’s new verification process. Photo: SASSA

As we covered recently, there are big question marks over SASSA grant fraud. This follows Chief Executive Busisiwe Memela-Khambule’s contract extension, despite being implicated in a R45-million Special Investigating Unit (SIU) corruption case.

Now, EWN reports that the Public Service Commission (PSC) is raising the red flag on numerous reports of SASSA grant fraud. According to its website, the PSC promotes, “Constitutionally enshrined democratic principles and values of public service.” To that end, it investigates and reports back on public maladministration.

SASSA GRANT FRAUD

SASSA grant fraud
With so much money changing hands, can anything be done about SASSA grant fraud? Image: File

The South African Social Security Agency is responsible for 28-million social grants each month. Ranging from Social Relief of Distress (SRD) to old-age pensioner grants. As a result, social welfare is South Africa’s third-highest expense annually. Out of every R100 spent by the government, R16.13 goes to debt, R13.70 goes to basic education. And R12.59 goes to social welfare.

Therefore, it’s no wonder that SASSA grant fraud is so tempting, with more than R300-billion in the coffers annually. And whistleblowers continue to tip-off the PSC. The commission says it received close to 250 tip-offs for alleged corruption in just three months. That’s 83 per month, and more than three per working day. 70% have been referred to SASSA for investigation.

PROCUREMENT IRREGULARITIES

SASSA grant fraud
Procurement irregularities, kickbacks, corruption, bribery, the Public Service Commission is empowered to investigate it all. Image: File

Furthermore, protocol dictates cases be referred to national and provincial departments. Likewise, the PSC says it’s seen an increase in internal grievances at SASSA, too. Of the concluded cases:

  • 12% were substantiated.
  • 44% were unsubstantiated.
  • 7% were partially substantiated.
  • 5% were internally resolved.

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