By OBAKENG MAJE
20 March 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Social Development was briefed by the Department of Social Development and its entities – the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the National Development Agency (NDA) – on their audit action plans arising from the Auditor-General’s findings and recommendations.
While the committee welcomed progress in addressing the AG’s findings, it had reservations about the practice of officials implicated in wrongdoing, and resigning or transferring to other departments during investigations, thus avoiding responsibility. The committee questioned how this practice could be allowed to continue and demanded further explanation on what public sector laws said about such individuals.
The Chairperson of Committee, Bridget Masango said: “We understand people dying during investigations, but we are worried about the common practice of individuals who transfer to other departments when there are ongoing cases against them.
“How does it happen? I think we need a detailed report on that. We also call on the department and its entities to strengthen internal audits and to address the committee’s recommendations.”
Masango said they should not wait until issues are raised by the AG. She further said they welcome the commitment by the department and its entities to resolve the audit findings.
“So, we don’t see the same happening in the future. The committee also questioned SASSA on the payment of grants to deceased beneficiaries, a matter that was also raised by the AG.
“In response, SASSA said that while it was fully synchronised with the Department of Home Affairs, it still relied on citizens to report all deaths at Home Affairs offices. If they do not, the payment of grants will not stop,” said Masango.
She said the NDA reported on progress in resolving the AG’s findings and implementing the recommendations.
Meanwhile, the acting Minister of Social Development, Pemmy Majodina, who led the departmental delegation, assured the committee that the department and its entities are committed to improving their performance and audit outcomes.
The Guardian 