Ministerial Task Team to review SASSA conduct
The Ministerial Task Team set up to look into the social grants matter has been mandated to review the conduct of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
The task team will also seek legal advice on the viability of further legal action by the state.
During a post-cabinet meeting press briefing, Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe said cabinet deeply regrets the anxiety caused by uncertainty over the payment of social grants to beneficiaries.
"We are a caring government and the needs of our people are our priority. We are collectively working towards ensuring that grant beneficiaries are not disadvantaged by these unfortunate events," said Radebe.
This follows the Constitutional Court has reserved judgement in the controversial social grants case.
Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini and SASSA have asked the court to extend their contract with Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) to ensure social grants can be paid on 1 April 2017.
Radebe said they have approved the establishment of a Ministerial Task Team consisting of the following Ministers:
- Minister in The Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Jeff Radebe (convener)
- Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini
- Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan
- Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor
- Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba
- Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Siyabonga Cwele
- Minister of State Security, David Mahlobo
Radebe says the task team has been mandated to address the following:
- Following the Constitutional Court judgement - to consider proposals with a view to strengthening conditionalities as well as consequence management (immediate) and identifying an appropriate transitional period
- Ensure the payment of grants as from 1 April 2017
- Seek legal advice on the viability of further legal action by the State, especially in addressing unlawful and irregular conduct where necessary
- Reviewing the conduct of SASSA, especially in relation to its administrative capacity and management and making a recommendation
- Developing a contingency plan
- Devising a comprehensive institutionalised payment system for grants