Busisiwe Memela-Khambula, the CEO of the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), has been placed on precautionary suspension pending the outcome of an investigation into her appointment.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the National Minister of Social Development Nokuzola Tolashe.
Minister Tolashe said the suspension is prompted by the need to conduct an investigation without hindrance or interference given Memela-Khambula’s position as CEO of Sassa.
She further stated that the Office of the Public Protector has raised a ‘myriad of serious issues’ that have prompted her to take appropriate action as the executive authority over Sassa.
“The decision was important to also protect her dignity and integrity and praised the humility the CEO demonstrated when the decision to suspend her was communicated,” Tolashe said.
She said all the decisions that have been taken are to steer the Sassa in the right direction and are taken in the best interest of millions of beneficiaries that depend on social assistance.
“Whilst we deal with a lot of challenges facing Sassa, we want to take decisive decisions that will ensure that our work is transparent, effective, and efficient and we have an organization that will assist in fighting hunger and poverty in our country,” Tolashe said.
In the interim, the Regional Executive Manager for Gauteng, Themba Matlou has been appointed as the Acting CEO until the matter has been concluded.