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SRD Grant system remains intact – Minister Tolashe
SRD Grant system remains intact – Minister Tolashe
Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has reassured social grant recipients that the grant system's integrity remains intact, supported by various control measures and enhanced security.
The Minister was briefing the media on Wednesday on the outcomes of the independent investigation into the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD grant) in Cape Town.
“We assure our clients that the integrity of our system remains intact, with various control measures and enhanced security in place to ensure efficient service delivery.
“SASSA will continue to invest in its systems to enhance support and positively impact the lives of our clients. We strive to balance security and improvement with client interaction, accessibility,” she said.
This comes after two first-year students from Stellenbosch University raised the alarm over vulnerabilities in the South African Social Security Agency’s (SASSA) application systems, sparking a parliamentary investigation.
Their allegations, shared on various media platforms and during a presentation to the Portfolio Committee on 23 October 2024, questioned the integrity and security of SASSA’s digital grant platforms.
The two students found that fraudsters were using unsuspecting citizens' identity numbers to apply for the SRD grant and received the funds in bank accounts using the same ID numbers. This potentially eliminated deserving people from accessing government relief.
In response to the allegations, Parliament recommended a comprehensive investigation of the Social Relief of Distress Grant system and all other grant systems administered by SASSA.
Parliament’s directive reflected concerns over the integrity and security of SASSA’s digital systems across various grant types, including but not limited to Child Support, Disability, Old Age Pension, and Foster Child grants.
As a result, the Minister of Social Development committed to a thorough review of its entire grant infrastructure, focusing on identifying and mitigating potential vulnerabilities, ensuring the security of beneficiary data, and safeguarding public resources.
The Minister told the media that key findings in the investigation revealed that there were several medium vulnerabilities identified.
“As technology evolves rapidly, it is crucial for any organisation to stay abreast of advancements, continuously monitor risks, and adapt to ensure not only compliance but also excellence in using technology to drive and implement new solutions.
“We strive to balance the need for security with the equally important need for client accessibility, ease of use, and service excellence,” she said.
The Minister acknowledged that technological advancements brought risks such as cyber threats and vulnerabilities. The SRD program, like many others in South Africa's retail and banking sectors, has faced challenges like identity theft.
Since 2023, Tolashe noted that SASSA has intensified its efforts against fraud, working closely with law enforcement agencies.
“We have introduced facial biometrics through our electronic Know Your Client program and strengthened relationships with other government entities and the banking industry.
“Our 'Know Your Grant Status' programme helps individuals determine if identity theft has occurred in the SRD environment. Our staff is committed and currently performing outreach programmes over weekends to assist our clients in addressing and swiftly resolving these issues,” she said.
The Minister acknowledged the audit report and the work done to assist department in its oversight role and SASSA in strengthening its systems.
She emphasised that SASSA management was currently reviewing the report, which aligns with the findings of the penetration tests and vulnerability scans.
“We will meet with the auditors to discuss the report and provide a comprehensive response. SASSA will continue to support the auditors in completing their work,” she said.
The Minister highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, particularly for SASSA who had to implement the SRD grant.
“We had to adopt a unique approach since potential applicants were not part of any existing government grant support programs, and COVID-19 regulations restricted physical interactions.
“Despite these hurdles, we successfully implemented an online program and disbursed the first grant on 15 May 2020, reaching 6 million new clients in record time,” Tolashe said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 11/27/2024 - 16:26
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Investigation Into Social Grant Fraud Is a Flop
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Two appear in court for fraud and money laundering
Two appear in court for fraud and money laundering
Marx Maria Karien (58) and Khahliso Isabel Motseremeli (48) have appeared before the Bethlehem Serious Commercial Crime Court this week on separate charges of fraud and money laundering.
It is alleged that between March 2020 and October 2020, Karien submitted claims to the Department of Labour for COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (COVID-19 TERS) benefits to the total amount over R1 million.
This was done through her company, Pop Snax (Pty) Ltd. The funds were approved by the department and deposited into the company’s account. It was further reported that only a portion of the money was used to pay employees and the rest was for personal use.
The matter was then reported to the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team based in Bethlehem for further investigation culminating in the arrest of Karien in Bethlehem on 18 November 2024.
She made her first court appearance on the same day. The case against Karien has been postponed to 28 November 2024 and she was granted R5 000 bail.
Meanwhile, in the matter involving Motseremeli, it is alleged that between March 2020 and April 2020, she submitted claims to the Department of Education for COVID-19 TERS funds through her non-pofit organisation, Paballong Day Care Center.
It is further alleged that the accused applied for COVID-19 TERS funds for employees who did not qualify for benefits from the Department of Employment and Labour. A total amount of R36 247.05 was paid to the accused for her personal benefit.
The matter was reported to the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team based in Bethlehem for further investigation culminating in the arrest of Motseremeli in Bethlehem on 18 November 2024.
The case against Motseremeli has been postponed to 18 January 2025 and she was granted R1 000 bail. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 11/20/2024 - 10:48
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Top SAFA boss appears in court
Top SAFA boss appears in court
President of the South African Football Association (SAFA), Danny Jordaan, together with two co-accused, have been granted bail after appearing in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court on allegations of fraud of over R1.1 million.
Jordaan, together with former SAFA Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Gronie Hluyo, and former journalist and director of Grit Communications Trevor Neethling appeared in the court on Wednesday.
“They were all charged with three counts of fraud, three counts of theft, and conspiracy to commit fraud and theft.
“The allegations stem from a 12-month Service Level Agreement [SLA] allegedly entered by SAFA, represented by Jordaan, and Grit Communications in December 2017, for the provision of public relations and communication services to SAFA,” National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said.
She explained that the state alleges that Jordaan “in contravention of the SAFA statutes, signed the SLA that was neither sanctioned nor approved by SAFA, and that he and Neethling backdated the agreement to 01 October 2017”.
Grit Communications is alleged to have been employed to protect Jordaan’s personal image after allegations of rape surfaced against him in 2017.
“Furthermore, that he allegedly acquired protection services worth over R40 000 purported to be for SAFA from Badger Security, during the SAFA 2018 elective congress, whilst these protection services were allegedly exclusively rendered to him.
“According to SAFA statutes, Jordaan was precluded from doing so, as only the CFO and Chief Executive Officer of SAFA were authorised to sign contractual agreements. The PR services were already rendered to SAFA by its existing department that handled PR and communication.
“Despite full knowledge of the unauthorised and unlawful nature of the actions of both Jordaan and Neethling, it is alleged that Hluyo approved the payments to Grit Communications and Badger Security,” she said.
The three were granted bail of some R20 000 each and are expected back in court on 05 December 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
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SIU conducts search and seizure at North West municipality
SIU conducts search and seizure at North West municipality
The Special Investigating Unit has this morning conducted a search and seizure operation at the JB Marks Local Municipality in the North West.
According to the unit, the operation – executed in cooperation with the Hawks and the SA Police Service – was conducted to search for evidence that may assist in an investigation targeting the construction of the N12 flood line canal.
“The search and seizure operation is the SIU’s last resort to access documents needed for the investigation and obtain the necessary documentation for its investigation. Since the proclamation was published on 4 October 2024, the SIU has made multiple attempts to contact the municipality in an effort to access the required documents voluntarily, However, these attempts have gone unanswered.
“This lack of cooperation prompted the SIU to seek the court's assistance in securing a warrant to search and seize pertinent documents and electronic equipment,” the SIU said.
The corruption-busting unit said the operation is conducted not only through a warrant but also in accordance with a Presidential Proclamation, which authorised the unit to “investigate allegations of serious maladministration regarding the procurement of/or contracting for goods, works or services by or on behalf of the municipality” related to the construction of the flood line canal.
Documentation and devices seized include:
- Company registration documents.
- Payment records (invoices, purchase orders and remittance advice).
- Electronic devices, including laptops, mobile devices and external storage media used by relevant officials and employees.
- Any associated electronic data, including emails and cloud storage information linked to specific personnel.
“The SIU is empowered by the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act) to subpoena bank statements and cell phone records, search and seize evidence, and interrogate witnesses under oath to thoroughly investigate allegations brought before it.
“The SIU is also empowered to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations caused by acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration.
“In line with the SIU Act, the SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
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SIU to probe tender corruption at AEMFC and Dihlabeng Local Municipality
SIU to probe tender corruption at AEMFC and Dihlabeng Local Municipality
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is expected to conduct investigations into the affairs of the African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation (AEMFC) and, in a separate probe, that of the Dihlabeng Local Municipality in the Free State.
This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed two proclamations authorising the corruption busting unit to conduct the investigations.
At the AEMFC, the SIU will probe allegations of serious maladministration related to six tenders.
“The probe will also examine whether the payments for these contracts adhered to national treasury guidelines and ascertain whether the payments were irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditures or financial losses for the department or the state.
“The investigation will probe whether fraudulent conduct occurred, including the causes of such maladministration, any losses, damages, or prejudice actually or potentially suffered by AEMFC or the State, and any irregular, improper, or unlawful conduct by employees or officials of the AEMFC or any other person or entity,” the SIU said.
The unit added that it will also investigate whether there is “unlawful or improper conduct of the AEMFC employees, officials or agents and any other person or entity to corruptly or unduly benefit themselves or others”.
“The Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 January 2016 and 01 November 2024, as well as any related activities before 1 January 2016 after the date of the Proclamation that is pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts,” the unit added.
Dihlabeng Local Municipality
The investigation at the Dihlabeng Local Municipality is related to a tender for the supply, delivery and installation of two 40m high-mast lights.
“The SIU probe will examine whether the procurement and contracting were made in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, or cost-effective or in violation of applicable legislation, guidelines, or instructions from the National or Provincial Treasury.
“This includes the municipality or the state’s unauthorised, irregular, or wasteful expenditure. The probe will also look at any irregular, unlawful, or improper conduct by officials or employees of the Municipality, its suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity implicated,” the corruption busting unit explained.
This proclamation covers the period from 1 January 2016 to 1 November 2024 “as well as any related activities before 1 January 2016 and after the date of the Proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts”.
“Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU is committed to identifying systemic failures and recommending measures to prevent future losses.
“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.
“The SIU is also authorised under the SIU Act to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 11/04/2024 - 12:45
44 views