The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has made notable strides in financial accountability, cutting irregular expenditure from R1.8 billion in 2018/2019 to just R1.1 million in the 2024/2025 financial year, according to its latest Audit Action Plan Progress Report.
The report was recently presented to the Portfolio Committee on Social Development in Parliament, and reflects an organisation committed to restoring its integrity, improving efficiency, and protecting public funds entrusted to it.
SASSA has achieved unqualified audit outcomes since 2018/2019, though these have included material findings. Nevertheless, its consistent efforts to implement preventative financial controls are beginning to yield measurable results.
Major Reductions in Wasteful and Irregular Spending
Among the most significant improvements are declines in both irregular and wasteful expenditures:
- Irregular expenditure:
- R1.8 billion in 2018/2019
- R34.2 million in 2023/2024
- R1.1 million in 2024/2025
- Fruitless and wasteful expenditure:
- R134,184 in 2022/2023
- R53,001 in 2023/2024
- R22,216 in 2024/2025
These reductions are largely credited to new systems and policies implemented by the agency, including pre-audit checks, enhanced supply chain management training, consequence management, and stronger regional oversight.
CEO Praises Staff, Urges Continued Discipline
SASSA Acting CEO Themba Matlou praised the organisation’s internal teams for driving change and embracing a culture of accountability.
“We want to take the SASSA brand to greater heights, and that journey begins with how we manage public money. We are steadily moving towards financial prudence,” said Matlou.
He also acknowledged that challenges remain, some of which stem from external factors beyond the agency’s control. Nonetheless, Matlou affirmed SASSA’s commitment to facing these issues “head-on.”
“SASSA serves the most vulnerable members of our society. We will continue working with the Auditor General, National Treasury, and our parent department, the Department of Social Development, in alignment with government efforts to eradicate hunger and meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
The agency’s reforms and progress are being closely monitored by Parliament, as SASSA remains responsible for the distribution of social grants to millions of South Africans—a critical function in a country battling poverty and inequality.
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