SASSA CEO suspended amid probe into her appointment

Social Development minister Nokuzola Tholashe has suspended South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) chief executive officer (CEO) Busisiwe Memela-Khambula pending the outcome of a probe into her appointment.

Memela-Khambula who was appointed CEO in May 2019 has been suspended with full pay.

SASSA CEO SUSPENDED WITH FULL PAY

In a statement, SASSA said Memela-Khambula’s precautionary suspension was prompted by the need to conduct the investigation without hinderance or interference given her position as CEO.

“In addition, minister Tolashe says the office of the public protector has raised a myriad of serious issues that have prompted her to take appropriate action as the executive authority over SASSA. She also said the decision was important to also protect her dignity and integrity,” the social security agency said.

Meanwhile, Tolashe said all the decisions that have been taken are to steer SASSA in the right direction and are taken in the best interest of the millions of beneficiaries that depend on social assistance.

“Whilst we deal with the challenges facing SASSA, we want to take decisive decisions that will ensure that our work is transparent, effective and efficient and we have an organisation that will assist in fighting hunger and poverty in our country,” Tolashe said.

In the meantime, SASSA regional manager in Gauteng Themba Matlou has been appointed acting CEO.

DO YOU THINK THERE WAS SOMETHING IRREGULAR ABOUT BUSISISWE MEMELA-KHAMBULA’S APPOINTMENT AS SASSA CEO?

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