Dear Editor
The amended regulations gazetted by Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi (DA), allow departments to procure IT services outside of SITA if they present a strong and viable business case, within existing public procurement prescripts, at a faster turnaround time and lower cost. This reform could mark a turning point for Eastern Cape residents struggling to access their social grants due to persistent system failures.
For years, the Department of Social Development and other government departments have faced persistent connectivity failures due to the State Information Technology Agency’s monopoly as the sole IT provider.
In a province with one of the highest numbers of social grant recipients, these failures continue to undermine access to essential services and violate the constitutional right to social security under section 27(1)(c).
On 24 April 2025, I wrote to Minister Malatsi to raise the ongoing challenges experienced by regional and local offices of Social Development across the Eastern Cape. Poor network connectivity regularly leaves officials unable to perform their duties for hours, sometimes days. As a result, residents are left waiting at their nearest South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office, often unable to access critical grants such as the Child Support Grant or the Older Persons Grant.
The swift introduction of these amended regulations creates a clear opportunity to improve the delivery of social services where they are most urgently needed.
I will be writing to the MEC for Social Development, Bukiwe Fanta, urging her to submit a formal request on behalf of the department to the Department of Communications to appoint a reliable, alternative IT service provider. Should she fail to do so, I will table a motion in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature to compel her to act in the interests of the people of this province.
Millions of residents depend on timely access to social grants. The system has failed them for long enough.
Regards
Marlene Ewers MPL
DA Shadow MEC for Social Development