The Minister for Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, today welcomed the appointment of Ms Virginia Petersen as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
“When I was appointed as Minister for this portfolio, I committed to resolve to address leadership issues to ensure stability at SASSA. Ms Petersen’s appointment will bring the stability required at the Agency
Minister Dlamini added that Ms Petersen, who has significant experience at senior level in government, was a suitable appointment for SASSA.
Ms Petersen will begin her new role with SASSA in May this year.
Ms Petersen, who is presently the Deputy Director-General: Tribunal Appeals Services in the Department of Social Development, has a long and distinguished career within the South African public service sector.
“I believe that the appointment of the Ms Petersen as CEO will ensure the required stability at the leadership of SASSA and in turn enable the Agency to efficiently implement its service delivery improvement plan,” said Minister Dlamini.
She has held the position of Head of Department of Social Development in the Western Cape province for a period of 11 years as well as serving as the Director-General of the Provincial Government of the Western Cape. In her position as the Head of Department, Ms Petersen played a pivotal role in the management of social security including the establishment of SASSA. In general, she has more than 25 years experience at the executive management level.
The Minister looks forward to the leadership and direction that Ms Petersen will bring to SASSA as CEO, particularly with regard to the Agency’s ongoing development of improving the administration of social grants.
SASSA plays an important role in government’s ongoing effort to eradicate poverty and provide social safety nets to the most vulnerable groups.
The breadth and depth of Ms Petersen’s skills will complement the work of the Agency to fulfil its mandate. The Minister said that she believes that Ms Petersen’s years of experience in government will put her in good stead as she takes on this new challenge.
The Minister also noted that, following the appointment of Ms Petersen as CEO, the current Acting CEO of SASSA, Mr. Coceko Pakade, will revert to his position as the Chief Financial Officer in the Department of Social Development.
The Minister thanked Mr Pakade for his personal commitment and vital contribution as Acting CEO, in steering the Agency through a period of significant change and improvement since he was appointed Acting CEO last year. The Minister looks forward to Mr Pakade’s continued central role in the Department of Social Development in his position as Chief Financial Officer.
The Minister looks forward to certain further appointments to senior management roles at SASSA, to lead it through its current challenges.
For enquiries contact:
Abram Phahlamohlaka
Cell: 082 928 6590
Paseka Letsatsi
Cell: 082 883 9969
