Staffing shortages at SASSA continue to be an issue, even though a budget increase of R8.2 billion over the medium term.
Numerous people were astonished to witness South African Social Insurance Agency grants increase by between 5.7 and 5.9% For April 2025 following the delayed Budget Address. Actually, the Department for Social Services (DSS) will spend R422 billion all together this year, with 80% How much of this spending will go towards social grants? .
Nevertheless, an increasing number of people believe that the government is wasting resources because of ongoing staffing issues at SASSA and inadequate management. The department recognizes that reforms to social grants and enhanced effectiveness are crucial to guaranteeing this service. viability of the SASSA social grant system beyond 2025.
SASSA STAFF SHORTAGES
Anybody who has been impacted by the mishandled Postbank card migration fiasco will agree. As the extended deadline approaches tomorrow, Thursday 20 March 2025 Only 33% of Gold-to-Black card transitions have taken place. This situation has led to immense suffering. elderly and disabled grant Recipients who find themselves with no place to go. Nevertheless, government statistics from the DSD clearly illustrate the reasons behind this situation.
The DSD still grapples with significant staffing deficiencies within SASSA. Regarding social workers, they presently have only a limited number employed. 15 433 versus its target of 55 000 , reports The Citizen The concerning disparity was brought to light in the department's 2023/24 Annual Report presented to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) not long ago.
A STAIN ON SOUTH AFRICA'S DEMOCRACY
The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ganief Hendricks, referred to social workers as the 'Cinderellas of South Africa'. "These shortages within SASSA personnel stain our democracy, government, and ministry," stated Hendricks. Regardless of these workforce difficulties, the DSD claims they have made progress. 77% Of its objectives for the 2023/24 fiscal period, according to Chief Director Jacques van Zuydam, the department met 50 out of 65 goals during this time frame. This encompasses expenditures. 99.4% of its R260 billion budget. Nonetheless, there was an underutilization of R1.5 billion It has been extended into the present financial year. It appears that this lack of spending is primarily due to the SASSA child support grant along with the expanded Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.
Similarly, the department has ongoing concerns regarding fraudulent activities. The Deputy Minister feels that more stringent consequences are necessary. "The DSD and SASSA frequently encounter various instances of fraud. Therefore, we must reassess our disciplinary processes. It seems current punishments aren’t harsh enough. We absolutely can't permit our staff members to embezzle funds from either the government or the general populace," Hendricks stated conclusively.
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