The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially announced the appointment of Mr. Themba Matlou as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 June 2025. The Cabinet confirmed his appointment during its sitting on Wednesday, 28 May 2025.
Matlou brings more than 25 years of experience in the public sector, including a strong track record in grants administration, governance, financial management, risk compliance, and fraud prevention. He joined SASSA 13 years ago as Regional Executive Manager in Limpopo and has since served in the same capacity in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal, overseeing the administration of social grants. In December 2024, he was appointed as acting CEO before assuming the role permanently.
SASSA staff across all levels have expressed excitement and confidence in Matlou’s leadership. According to SASSA Spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi, Matlou is expected to “bring the operational focus, governance, and people-centred culture needed to strengthen SASSA whilst ensuring maximum and efficient services to the people.”
Letsatsi added that Matlou’s leadership style — marked by inclusivity and the ability to unify stakeholders from diverse sectors — will be critical in aligning SASSA with key partners and driving the agency’s strategic objectives forward.
Matlou has previously served on provincial structures including the Limpopo Office of the Premier and the Mpumalanga Department of Health, adding valuable intergovernmental experience to his new role.
