The Public Protector has found that former SASSA CEO Busisiwe Memela-Khambula was irregularly appointed in 2019 by then-Minister of Social Development Susan Shabangu, who approved an inflated salary of R2.65 million per year, far above the prescribed R1.88 million.
DA Deputy Spokesperson on Social Development, Alexandra Abrahams, stated: “This is a blatant abuse of power and a betrayal of South Africa’s poor. The DA will demand that the Portfolio Committee urgently table this report to ensure accountability.”
The Public Protector’s report, dated 30 June 2025, revealed that Shabangu ignored directives from then-Finance Minister Tito Mboweni and Public Service Minister Senzo Mchunu, who had warned against excessive spending due to fiscal constraints. Shockingly, no signed Cabinet submission was found to justify the appointment.
Abrahams added: *”Instead of correcting this illegality, former Minister Lindiwe Zulu prolonged the wrongdoing by renewing Memela-Khambula’s contract in 2024—despite knowing about the investigation since 2019.”*
Memela-Khambula’s contract ended in May 2025, but only after she earned millions in unlawful payments—funds meant for South Africa’s most vulnerable. Current Minister Nokuzola Tolashe suspended her in December 2024, yet she remains on full pay.
Abrahams emphasized: “Minister Tolashe must act decisively. Those responsible must face consequences, and every cent must be recovered. It’s unacceptable that SASSA still lacks a HR policy after 25 years, enabling such corruption.”
The DA demands immediate action to prevent further looting of public funds meant for service delivery.
