SASSA official’s disrespectful conduct raises concern

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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has raised concerns of an incident where an official is seen disrespecting and shouting at social grants clients.

This follows a video that has been circulating online on Thursday at its Dundee local office where an employee allegedly refused to assist clients after they confronted her over her reported poor attitude and behavior.

According to witnesses, the individuals had been waiting in line for over two hours, and when their turn finally arrived, they were met with the woman’s alleged dismissive response.

The situation quickly escalated, with the woman reportedly refusing to offer any further assistance.

During the altercation caught on video, the official is seen picking up an object [stamp] on her desk and threatened to throw it at the clients in an attempt to stop them from recording.

As she stood up from a chair to go to another room, the clients can be heard persisting on being assisted by the official, however, she she replied that they are late and dared them to report her.

The agency has confirmed that its regional executive manager, Thamo Mzobe has instructed Midlands district manager to urgently investigate the alleged behavior.

Adding that relevant internal channels and processes to engage the staff member be brought to use.

SASSA’s Commitment to Client Respect

She continued; “SASSA takes seriously and thoroughly investigates any alleged behavior that violates the Code of Conduct. We regret this incident and extend our apologies for what the clients experienced.

“We strive to instill a caring culture that is in line with its Code of Conduct, Batho Pele Principles and SASSA Values that ensures the provision of services in a dignified, compassionate and respectful way to our clients.

Mzobe stated that disciplinary actions will be taken against any employee who is found to have contravened the SASSA’s code of conduct.

“A senior management team from the regional office will be deployed to visit the Dundee local office to monitor service delivery and make proper interventions.

“This will ensure that we strive for continuous enhancement of service delivery to meet our clients’ expectations,” she said.

Meanwhile, three suspects have been arrested for possession of stolen illegal South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) on Wednesday, by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in Gauteng.

Nkosinathi Donald Zwane, 38, Innocent Sbusiso Shabalala, 47, and Thabo Langa, 37, are charged for illegal possession of SASSA cards, which is a violation of the National Credit Act 13 of 2004.

Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Ramovha said the arrests should serve as a strong deterrent to potential like-minded offenders.

He added that this demonstrates their commitment to upholding the law and protecting the integrity of our social security system.

“The law enforcement team comprising of the DPCI Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan police acted on reliable intelligence and spotted a vehicle with three occupants.

“The vehicle was stopped and searched. A black bag containing a box with about 249 SASSA cards was found in the back seat. The occupants provided conflicting accounts of the possession. Consequently, they were arrested.

“The vehicle, a white Toyota, was impounded for being used in a commission of a crime and for further investigation.

Ramovha revealed that preliminary investigation suggests that the confiscated cards were destined to be loaded with undue funds worth millions.

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He added; “They initially made their first court appearance on Friday, 10 January. The case was postponed to 15 January 2025 for a bail application at the Johannesburg Magistrates Court.”

Emphasized the significance of this arrest, DPCI provincial head, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, said this operation serves as a clear message that illegal activities will be met with swift and decisive action.

“We are dedicated to eradicating criminal activities that threaten the integrity of our social security systems and the well-being of our communities,” he concluded.