SASSA’s Financial Reforms Slash Irregular Spending – Here’s How

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has made remarkable strides in improving financial accountability, cutting irregular expenditure from R1.8 billion in 2018/2019 to just R1.1 million in the 2024/2025 financial year.

This dramatic reduction, revealed in the agency’s latest Audit Action Plan Progress Report, underscores its commitment to financial discipline, integrity, and efficiency.

SASSA’s Spending Overhaul: By the Numbers

Over the past six years, SASSA has significantly reduced both irregular and wasteful expenditures:

Irregular Expenditure

• 2018/2019: R1.8 billion

• 2023/2024: R34.2 million

• 2024/2025: R1.1 million

Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure

• 2022/2023: R134,184

• 2023/2024: R53,001

• 2024/2025: R22,216

These figures represent a major financial cleanup, positioning SASSA as a more responsible steward of public funds.

How SASSA Achieved This Financial Turnaround

The agency attributes its success to several key reforms, including:

• Pre-audit checks to detect financial discrepancies early.

• Stronger supply chain management through better staff training.

• Consequence management to hold those responsible for financial mismanagement accountable.

• Regional oversight improvements to ensure compliance across all offices.

These measures have helped SASSA tighten internal controls, reduce inefficiencies, and boost public confidence.

CEO Applauds Staff, Stresses Ongoing Commitment

SASSA’s Acting CEO, Themba Matlou, credited staff members for their dedication to financial prudence and 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.”

While acknowledging that challenges remain, Matlou emphasized the agency’s commitment to tackling them head-on.

“SASSA serves the most vulnerable members of our society. We will continue working with the Auditor General, National Treasury, and the Department of Social Development to ensure financial stability and support the fight against poverty.”

Why This Matters for South Africans

SASSA plays a critical role in distributing social grants to millions of South Africans, particularly in a country where poverty and inequality remain widespread.

By eliminating wasteful spending, the agency is ensuring that more funds reach the people who need them most—pensioners, children, and vulnerable households.

What’s Next for SASSA?

SASSA’s reforms are being closely monitored by Parliament and the Department of Social Development to ensure continued progress.

While the agency has made significant improvements, maintaining these financial controls and transparency will be key to earning public trust and ensuring that South Africa’s social security system remains strong.

Would you like to see more financial transparency in government agencies?

{Source Pondoland Times}

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