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Call for SASSA CEO Resignation Amid Social Grant Crisis in Western Cape

Published November 16, 2024
3 months ago

Western Cape Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) have demanded the resignation of South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) CEO Busisiwe Memela, citing a crisis in the agency's service delivery to social grant recipients. The debate, which took place at the Western Cape legislature, saw legislators from various parties voice concerns about the inadequate support provided to beneficiaries who significantly rely on these grants for their livelihoods.





Democratic Alliance (DA) representative Wendy Kaizer-Philander led the charge against the current status quo, lambasting SASSA for leaving families in distress due to ongoing delays in grant distribution. She emphasized that social grants represent a government promise for basic support, irrespective of personal circumstances. Kaizer-Philander spotlighted Memela's term that began in 2019, calling for her departure on the grounds that the service under her leadership has worsened, not improved.


Echoing the sentiment was Donita Stephens of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), who highlighted corruption and incompetence within SASSA, calling for the CEO's immediate resignation. She pointed out the malfunctions in SASSA's IT systems and the endless delays beneficiaries endure, including long queues and a lack of payments for extended periods.


ANC representative Francois Kamfer recognized the challenges but urged for action beyond just discussing the problems. He noted issues particularly in Khayelitsha and Eersteriver, where infrastructure delays at SASSA offices exacerbated the crisis. Kamfer put forward a proposal that the provincial government release land for the construction of more SASSA offices to improve accessibility and service delivery.


Amidst a heated debate, Rachel Windvogel of the ANC called for an end to the blame game, emphasizing that the grant payment delays aren't solely due to SASSA but also involve challenges with the South African Post Office. She advocated for public representatives to help beneficiaries adopt alternative payment methods rather than engage in criticism without action.


MEC Jaco Londt of the DA responded by acknowledging that while SASSA's service isn't a complete failure, there is substantial room for improvement. He detailed proactive measures the Western Cape government had taken, including regular meetings with SASSA leadership and highlighted the relatively higher approval rate of disability grants compared to the national average.


Calls for SASSA CEO Busisiwe Memela to step down come amidst a deeper problem of underserved, vulnerable populations in the Western Cape. What remains evident is the urgent need for operational improvements, increased resources, and collaborative efforts to navigate the ongoing social grant distribution crisis.


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