Social Development Minister Mrs Edna Molewa has dismissed an appeal against the expulsion of an employee of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Mr Terry Oliphant who was employed as a Grant Administration Clerk at the Agency's office in Beaufort West, Western Cape.
Mr Oliphant was charged with misconduct following allegations of producing and distributing a video recording which contained pornographic material featuring him and a minor, who was a SASSA client at the time. This information was brought to the attention of the agency through a broadcast by a television programme. He was found guilty of bringing the name of the agency into disrepute. He was dismissed yesterday, 14 December 2009.
"As Minister of Social Development I will not tolerate any official in the employ of my department or its entities who abuses his or her position of authority by taking advantage of vulnerable children. This kind of behaviour is at variance with the mandate of this department which is to protect the most vulnerable members of our society, particularly children," said Minister Molewa.
Mr Oliphant was recently found guilty by a court of law for producing and possessing child pornography, a move that was welcomed by Minister Molewa.
Enquiries:
Zanele Mngadi
Cell: 082 330 1148
Issued by: Department of Social Development
15 December 2009
