Sassa hits back at R30m CEO ‘promotion’ claims
The agency also rejected claims that its media engagements were designed to influence journalists or secure favourable coverage for its CEO.
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has strongly refuted claims that a R30 million communication contract was designed to promote its CEO, Themba Matlou. The agency clarified that the contract was initiated prior to Matlou becoming Acting CEO in December 2024, stating the deal aimed to strengthen its communication and marketing capabilities across all nine provinces.
Sassa emphasized the contract's purpose was to improve public awareness of its services and address information gaps, notably through the migration from Sassa Gold Cards, which initially had a deadline of 28 February 2025, extended to 20 March and finally to 30 April 2025. The agency also dismissed suggestions that its media engagements were intended to influence journalists or secure favorable coverage for Matlou, stating these activities were part of a broader institutional communication strategy.
Sassa defended its media engagements by explaining they facilitate executives' explanations of the agency's mandate, administrative processes, and responses to public concerns, which are crucial for maintaining transparency and accuracy.
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