cases
27 April 2006
The Department of Social Development has uncovered 35 420 new cases of fraud
in the social grant system, committed by members of the public and the Minister
of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya, has vowed to bring the perpetrators to
book.
The fraud has been exposed as a result of the successful use of the
Departmentâs national fraud hotline by members of the public over the last two
years.
The new cases are in addition to the ongoing action being taken by the
Department against public servants from various government departments, who are
wrongfully receiving the social grants. Last year over 12 000 public servants
were found after investigations to be not eligible to receive social grants.
Out of these, over 750 were successfully prosecuted and over 2 120 officials
signed acknowledgements of debt. The investigations are continuing against
others and cases are pending in courts.
Said the Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya, on the new cases:
âWe have collected the details of more than 35 420 cases of allegations of
social grant fraud committed by members of the public. Grants are meant for the
poorest of the poor and where members of the public fraudulently benefit from
this State social assistance, we will spare no effort in prosecuting them, and
rid the system of them. I am instructing the Special Investigating Unit to
immediately investigate these cases with a view to bring the perpetrators to
book. We thank the members of the public who continue to use the fraud hotline
to report cases of fraudâ.
Minister Zola Skweyiya added: âGovernment now provides social grants to over
11 million people. The social security budget will exceed R57 billion this year
and it is important that we pay the right grant amount to the right
personâ.
The measures undertaken by the Department thus far are part of a range of
key priorities that include among others:
* The establishment of the South African Social Security Agency for grants
delivery;
* The successful comprehensive anti-fraud strategy which is yielding
results;
* Tightening the means testing to ensure effective targeting; and
* The ongoing investigations into the alleged perverse incentives in the
system.
Enquiries:
Ms Lakela Kaunda
Cell: 082 782 2575
Issued by: Ministry of Social Development
27 April 2006
