Meet the new custodian of SASSA grants, Sisisi Tolashe What qualifications does the new custodian of SASSA grants, Sisisi Tolashe, have? And what makes her the right Minister of Social Development? BY Ray Leathern

[Nat Quinn]

 

Who is the new custodian of SASSA grants, Sisisi Tolashe? Elected by President Cyril Ramaphosa for his seventh administration, the latest custodian of SASSA grants, Sisisi Tolashe, fills the shoes of Lindiwe Zulu who was ousted last month from the top seat in the Department of Social Development (DSD).

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grants are paid to upwards of 24 million needy residents each month and account for a sizeable 3.6% of the country’s GDP. So, what are the qualifications of the latest custodian of SASSA grants, Sisisi Tolashe?

NEW CUSTODIAN OF SASSA GRANTS, SISISI TOLASHE

Do you have faith in the new minister? Image: Office of the Presidency on X

Sisisi Tolashe’s (64) background is that of President of the African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL). We are unable to clarify her tertiary education qualifications at this time, but she does have an extensive career in political office for the ANC to draw upon. She’s been a member of parliament since 2016, across several portfolio committees. She served as mayor of Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality (Chris Hani district in the Eastern Cape) for a spell. And also has experience serving in the Office of the Presidency for Women, Youth and Disabilities.

The latter should prepare her well as custodian of SASSA grants in South Africa. Being elevated to the Department of Social Development will be her biggest professional challenge yet. Big hurdles on the horizon for Tolashe include reducing costs, rooting out bribery and corruption and streamlining the entire SASSA payment process.

DRAIN ON PUBLIC FUNDS

Al Jama-ah’s founder Ganief Hendricks is Tolashe’s deputy but arguably the better qualified of the two to head Mzansi’s intricate social welfare programmes. Image: File

Social Welfare is one of the biggest drains on National Treasury coffers, says its critics. However, many beneficiaries also complain that SASSA grants are no longer enough to keep pace with rising food inflation, forcing many old-age pensioners to go without chronic medication and electricity. Furthermore, the ANC dangled a massive Basic Income Grant (BIG) carrot to voters ahead of the 2024 election. It vowed that Universal Basic Income Support would come into being as soon as 2026 using taxpayer money.

Zulu’s plan was to rework the existing R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, extended only until March 2025. Will the new custodian of SASSA grants, Sisisi Tolashe, see fit to do the same? Well, her deputy, Ganief Hendricks, is also founder of the Al Jama-ah party. His track record in social welfare is untrammelled. He has spent his entire career in community service as a former teacher, industrial psychology lecturer and founder of MWEB. Although Hendricks is Tolashe’s deputy, with this sort of impeccable background, he is likely to assert his influence on proceedings early and strongly.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Why not have your say? Image: Duncan P Walker

What do you think of the new custodian of SASSA grants, Sisisi Tolashe? Does she have the track record to succeed in this demanding portfolio? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.  

 

SOURCE:Meet the new custodian of SASSA grants, Sisisi Tolashe (thesouthafrican.com)

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