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Judge appointed to lead SASSA probe

Simnikiwe Mzekandaba
By Simnikiwe Mzekandaba, IT in government editor
Johannesburg, 03 Aug 2017
Social development minister Bathabile Dlamini.
Social development minister Bathabile Dlamini.

Retired judge Bernard Ngoepe has been appointed to head up the inquiry to determine minister Bathabile Dlamini's liability in the payments crisis of South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grants.

This is in line with the directive set by the Constitutional Court (ConCourt) in June that all parties implicated in the social grants debacle should agree to a process to determine Dlamini's involvement.

While a date for the inquiry is yet to be set, Ngoepe will have to investigate if Dlamini should personally account for the social grants crisis.

Dlamini has been accused of causing the chaos; however, she has denied any wrongdoing. The minister blames SASSA, former CEO Thokozani Magwaza, and former director-general Zane Dangor.

In addition to investigating Dlamini's liability, the inquiry will have to determine whether the minister sought the appointment of individuals to lead work-streams and instructed them to report directly to her.

It also aims to determine the reason the minister did not disclose this to the ConCourt.

Collateral damage

Last month, Magwaza unexpectedly resigned from his position as CEO of SASSA, a decision that was seen as him being forced out.

In a statement, the social development department said Magwaza's resignation was a "mutual agreement" between Dlamini and the SASSA CEO.

No further reasons were given for Magwaza's sudden departure. It has been reported that a breakdown in the working relationship between Magwaza and Dlamini led to his resignation.

Magwaza has been replaced by acting CEO Pearl Bhengu, who is described as a close Dlamini ally.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has welcomed the appointment of Ngoepe, saying it has long been of the view that "Dlamini manufactured the crisis, possibly for financial gain".

According to the opposition party, the appointment marks a forward step in ensuring the minister is held accountable.

The inquiry will shed light on the real reasons why SASSA was not able to institutionalise the grants payment system, says the DA.

"The DA looks forward to a date for the inquiry being set and to ensuring that the minister is made to face up to playing games."

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