Recognition for Whistleblowers: SASSA Fraud Arrests by Social Development Portfolio Committee

Cape Town – In the wake of the arrest of four officials from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) on suspicion of fraud, the Portfolio Committee on Social Development in Parliament has praised the efforts of whistleblowers.

The officials were apprehended on Friday, (14 March 2025).

The South African Police Service (SAPS) took action to arrest the four SASSA officials at their local office in Johannesburg, Gauteng, following a tip-off from whistleblowers.

The recent arrests come on the heels of three SASSA officials being arrested earlier in March at the Idutywa local office in the Eastern Cape.

In response to these arrests, the committee acknowledged the vital role of whistleblowers who continue to notify law enforcement about SASSA officials involved in fraudulent activities.

In a statement released on Sunday, (16 March 2025), the committee commended SASSA for its collaboration with law enforcement in the fight against corruption within the agency.

“The pattern of arresting SASSA officials suspected of fraud and corruption conveys a powerful message of intolerance towards malfeasance,” stated the committee.

Whistleblowing serves as a crucial and strategic mechanism to combat corruption, and responding to these tips encourages further reporting of fraud and corruption cases.

Bridget Masango, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, expressed that decisive actions taken by SASSA will promote whistleblowing and deter fraudulent and corrupt practices.

“Allowing corruption to persist in organizations that provide essential social welfare services like SASSA ultimately harms the most vulnerable beneficiaries,” Masango remarked.