Daily Archives: October 24, 2024

Probe into SASSA Social Relief of Distress launched

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Picture: SASSA card

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 October 2024- The Portfolio Committee on Social Development calls on the Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe to conduct an investigation into the weaknesses identified in the South African Social Security Agency’s (SASSA) Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant application and payment system.

These weaknesses have created a loophole that enabled fraudsters to illegally apply for and receive the grant using the ID numbers of unsuspecting South African citizens.

Chairperson of the Committee, Bridget Masango received a briefing from Joel Cedras and Veer Gosai (First-year University of Stellenbosch students). Masango said the two students identified vulnerabilities in the SRD grant application and payment system through an informal on-campus survey they conducted after they realised that they were unable to apply for the grant.

“The system reported that they had already applied for and received the grant, even though they did not apply for this grant nor receive any payments.

“The students emphasised that they had conducted the survey and published their findings out of concern that the fraud in the system robbed the poor and vulnerable, particularly the youth, out of the social protection they need,” she said.    
 
Masango further said they applaud Cedras and Gosai’s bravery in coming out with their findings, which they view in a very serious light. She added that the committee members pointed out that they had raised these challenges with SASSA and the department on several occasions over the years.

“Other members of the public had also alerted SASSA to this challenge, but no action was taken. These weaknesses in the system exclude deserving people from applying for the grant, committee members acknowledged.
 
“Due to the seriousness of the students’ findings, the committee resolved to give the department and SASSA 30 days to conduct a full investigation into the matter and to thereafter present a detailed report to the committee, as per the request of the Minister,” said Masango.

She said as public representatives responsible for overseeing the department and SASSA, it is important that they ensure that these allegations are investigated and SASSA is given an opportunity to respond to them. Masango said the committee welcomed the commitment from Tolashe to initiate an investigation into the matter.

“It recommended that SASSA should conduct vulnerability assessments and testing of the SRD grant system to ensure that weaknesses are addressed,” she said.

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Two men nabbed for stock theft

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Picture: Two men arrested for stock theft/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 October 2024- Two men aged 24 and 30, were arrested for stock theft. The Eagles Traffic Unit police were on their normal routine when they stopped a blue Nissan Bakkie on the Zeerust to Mahikeng road, near Manyane Game Reserve.

Upon inspection of the vehicle, they found a carcass of a bull that is suspected to be stolen. The vehicle driver and passenger were arrested for stock theft.

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said it is believed that there are more cattle that the suspects have stolen in a farm somewhere and slaughtered in Bakkerville. Morweng said another cattle was found in the quarries around bushes of Bakkerville on the trace of other suspects, where a Lesotho National was also arrested.

“More suspects are expected to be arrested and the officers together with the police are busy with the investigation. A case of stock theft will be registered at Lichtenburg Police Station. Those arrested are expected to appear before court soon.

“I would like to applaud The Eagles for their sterling work and reiterated that this will send a strong message to those who share the same motive,” he said.

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Ludwig’s journey from hockey to Banyana Banyana

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Picture: Banyana Banyana player, Isabella Alexa Ludwig

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 October 2024 – Isabella Alexa Ludwig (22), said is happy to see her hard work finally paying off after winning the player of the match during COSAFA Banyana Banyana’s opening match of the regional tournament at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Tuesday evening.

COSAFA Banyana Banyana beat Namibia 1-0 courtesy of a late goal from Tshegofatso Motlogelwa and Ludwig provided the assist, delivering an impressive performance from midfield. She started her football journey at the young age of 9 after she stopped playing hockey and was desperate for anything that resembled sport, football found her.

“It started when I was around 9 or 10. I changed schools to where they did not offer hockey, so the next best thing was football, and I started playing with the boys and developed a passion for it very fast.

“The midfielder said there are challenges in any career and she had to overcome a few during her journey. Definitely, there are obviously challenges within your set career path or anything you’re passionate about,” said Ludwig.

She further said it was not an easy road, but she thinks setbacks ultimately made her stronger. Ludwig added that injuries come and go as well, so they never help.

“I have had a lot of ankle injuries and I have had a lot of setbacks with them, but so far so good,” she said.

The TUKS player said her ambition was always to don the South African senior women’s national team shirt and she has worked very hard to achieve her goal. She also reminisced about the day she received her call-up to Banyana Banyana and her reaction after it had all sunk in.

“I think it was just hard work to be honest. It was obviously always my goal (to play for Banyana Banyana), but the only way you can get there is by putting in the work within the season in the Hollywoodbets Super League.

“So yeah, I’ve just been working hard, putting in the work and trying to get as much recognition and exposure as possible, which I think I was able to do. Now we are here.

“I was very, very happy (when she received the call-up), I felt like I was finally being seen or was being recognized for my hard work, so it was a very nice feeling,” said Ludwig.

She said she is able to balance being a business owner and a BCom Accounting student with her passion for football.

“There’s a lot that goes on all at once. But I think it keeps me busy, keeps me top of mind, constantly working and stuff, which works well with who I am, so it’s fine, I am managing,” said Ludwig.

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