On 8 September 2025, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) welcomed Cabinet’s confirmation of Ms Karabelo Mojanaga as the Regional Executive Manager (REM) for the Northern Cape. The decision was announced by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni after the Cabinet meeting held on 3 September 2025.
Why This Appointment Matters
The REM role is not just a title—it’s about steering the agency’s regional operations, ensuring millions of South Africans receive social assistance on time, fairly, and with dignity.
For the Northern Cape, one of the country’s most rural and sparsely populated provinces, leadership stability is vital to reaching beneficiaries across wide, often underserved areas.
What the Role Involves
Ms Mojanaga’s portfolio covers:
- Strategic Direction: Aligning regional plans with SASSA’s national priorities.
- Programme Oversight: Managing the Social Assistance Programme that delivers grants to the province’s most vulnerable.
- Financial Accountability: Overseeing budgets, supply chain management, and risk control.
- Performance Leadership: Driving staff performance and building a results-oriented culture.
- Public Service Delivery: Improving customer care and ensuring beneficiaries experience dignified service.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Representing SASSA in regional forums and building trust with communities.
Her Track Record
- Served as Acting REM since 1 November 2024.
- Previously General Manager: Finance and Corporate Services (since March 2021).
- Under her leadership, the Northern Cape region:
- Achieved 93% of APP (Annual Performance Plan) targets in 2024/2025—ranking as SASSA’s top-performing region nationally.
- Reached a 100% target achievement in the first quarter of 2025/2026.
Educational Background
- B.Compt (University of South Africa)
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (University of the Free State)
- Certificate in Africa’s Political Economy (Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute)
- Currently pursuing an MBA (University of the Free State)
Her Vision Going Forward
In her acceptance remarks, Ms Mojanaga pledged to:
Deliver services with speed, care, dignity, and efficiency, while working with staff, communities, and stakeholders to restore trust in SASSA.
The Bigger Picture
This appointment signals:
- Stability in leadership for the Northern Cape.
- A stronger focus on service delivery and accountability.
- A continuation of the province’s high-performance record in meeting SASSA’s national goals.
For communities in the Northern Cape, this leadership change could mean more reliable access to social grants and improved customer service at SASSA offices.
✅ Explainer Takeaway:
Ms Karabelo Mojanaga’s appointment isn’t just a personnel change—it’s a vote of confidence in her proven leadership. It ensures that one of South Africa’s most rural provinces continues to meet its mandate of delivering lifeline social services to those who need them most.
