Latest SASSA news: DA to act on corrupt payments to ‘deceased’
In the latest SASSA news, the DA believes unchecked databases and payments to the ‘deceased’ are behind millions in lost money.
The latest SASSA news sees the Democratic Alliance (DA) calling for urgent investigation into what it calls a ‘rigged’ social grant payment system. Social Development Minister, Lindiwe Zulu, previously told Parliament more than R140 million was paid incorrectly to 70 000 ‘deceased’ beneficiaries since 2020.
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This was her response to criticism over 150 000 SASSA beneficiaries having accounts suspended in the New Year. The South African Social Security Agency said this occurred due to irregular banking details supplied in the verification processes; a sure sign of fraudulent activity taking place within the accounts.
LATEST SASSA NEWS
Nevertheless, at the heart of the latest SASSA news, is the DA’s decision to probe the minister’s claims of outdated accounts. The party calls it alleged ‘rigging’ of the social grant system to enable fraudulent payments.
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As reported by EWN, thousands of bogus SASSA payments have continued to be made through unchecked databases. While other needy grant recipients are left with nothing. It has also come to light that public servants are illegally claiming Social Relief of Distress Grants, despite the fact government employees are ineligible.
CALLS FOR AN AUDIT
In the latest SASSA news, Bridget Masango of the DA called for a fresh audit on the databases. And harsher sanctions against public servants perpetrating criminal acts. She said there had been more than 40 000 violations and only 42 disciplinary proceedings on record.
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Masango says the looting of SASSA funds is not a victimless crime. “Revelations of substantial payments to deceased and/or underserving beneficiaries highlights a severe compromise in the integrity of the social grant recipient databases, putting an undue burden on the South African taxpayer,” she said.
COMPLAIN TO THE PRESIDENT
If you’re among the 150 000 SASSA beneficiaries who had their accounts incorrectly frozen in 2024, you can contact the President with a complaint. Simply dial the President’s toll-free hotline on 17737. You can also email: president@presidency.gov.za.
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