Some relief on grants debacle

THE South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) and the private company, Cash Paymaster Services have been ordered by the Constitutional Court to work together for another 12 months – to ensure social grants are paid.

Millions of the poorest in South Africa, and those who rely on them getting these grants, breathed a sigh of relief on Friday morning, when Concourt Judge Johan Froneman made this an order.

For weeks, there were genuine fears that the grants would not be paid after Sassa failed to secure the services of a new service provider after its contract with Cash Paymaster Services was declared illegal by the Constitutional Court in 2014. It has been a tawdry episode. And a key question that should be asked and answered is: why are our courts called on so often to ensure the smooth running of matters that should be the preserve of a well-run government? Is it because ministers are not good? Judge Froneman was scathing in his criticism of Minister Dlamini, for not showing interest in making sure a new contract was negotiated to ensure payment for the beneficiaries.

He said there had to be public accountability, and said it was one of the “deepest and most shaming of ironies” that the government sought help from Cash Paymaster Services – a private company.

But his most damning observation was aimed at Dlamini. He said it was her responsibility to ensure that Sassa did its job – because she had appointed its CEO.

He gave her until March 31 to explain why she should not be held personally responsible for the matter’s legal costs.

We hope that Dlamini takes this matter seriously – and that President Zuma takes just as seriously suggestions that, perhaps, he should seek a new minister of social development.