The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has dismissed 65 officials following disciplinary cases involving alleged fraud and misconduct since April 2025, with the Eastern Cape recording the highest number of dismissals.
In a statement issued on Sunday by SASSA spokesperson Dr Paseka Letsatsi, the agency’s chief executive, Themba Matlou, said the dismissals demonstrated that its anti-fraud strategy was delivering results as it stepped up efforts to protect social grant funds and hold officials accountable for wrongdoing.
“The dismissal of these four officials demonstrates that our efforts to strengthen accountability and protect the social grant system are yielding tangible results,” Matlou said.
SASSA said it had received 134 cases involving alleged misconduct and fraud since April 2025. Of these, 106 had been finalised, while 28 remained pending.
Of the finalised cases, 65 officials were dismissed, while others received sanctions ranging from written and final written warnings to suspensions without pay. Some officials resigned during disciplinary proceedings, 16 cases were withdrawn and four officials were found not guilty.
Matlou said the agency was moving beyond identifying irregularities to ensuring allegations were investigated, disciplinary processes concluded and appropriate action taken against officials found guilty of transgressions.
“Our Anti-Fraud Strategy is coming to fruition. We are strengthening our systems, closing loopholes, pursuing allegations of wrongdoing and ensuring that those found guilty face the consequences of their actions,” he said.
The Eastern Cape recorded the highest number of dismissals, with 19 officials fired since April 2025.
Mpumalanga and Gauteng each recorded 13 dismissals, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 11.
Matlou said the figures highlighted the need for continued vigilance across all provinces and operational units, adding that SASSA would strengthen its internal controls, oversight mechanisms and investigative capacity.
The CEO also expressed concern over death threats received by officials dealing with cases involving alleged misconduct.
He condemned attempts to intimidate or obstruct officials carrying out their duties and pledged that the agency would support those acting within the law and in the public interest.
Matlou said SASSA remained committed to fair disciplinary processes while strengthening fraud prevention, detection and investigations to protect the integrity of the social grant system.
