Minister Kaizer-Philander seeks clarity on SASSA vacancies amid service delivery concerns

Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Wendy Kaizer-Philander, has raised concerns following revelations that R147.2 million allocated to fill 228 vacancies at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) remains unspent, while residents continue to experience long queues and service delays.

A written parliamentary reply by the National Minister of Social Development revealed that 84 vacancies are at SASSA's regional offices and head office, while 144 are at local and district offices.

Minister Kaizer-Philander said the Western Cape Department of Social Development will seek clarity on the extent of vacancies in the province and their potential impact on service delivery.

“Public confidence in SASSA's services is already under strain. We cannot afford further delays that place additional pressure on vulnerable residents who depend on these services. We need clarity on how these vacancies affect the Western Cape and what measures are being taken to ensure that residents are not left bearing the consequences of staff shortages,” said Minister Kaizer-Philander.

The Minister noted SASSA's resolution to fill local office posts as they become vacant, with the aim of maintaining staffing capacity above 75% in high-density offices and at least 50% in low-density offices. While these commitments are welcomed, they must translate into tangible improvements in service delivery.

Following today’s site visit to SASSA’s Mitchells Plain office, the staffing pressures observed underscored the urgent need to fill funded vacancies without delay.

The Minister calls for a review of national recruitment processes to identify opportunities for streamlining and decentralisation, enabling regional offices to fill vacant posts more efficiently and strengthen service delivery to beneficiaries.

The Western Cape Department of Social Development is also embarking on a process to establish a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SASSA's Western Cape regional office, aimed at strengthening cooperation, improving communication and addressing service delivery challenges affecting residents.

The Department will further seek to ensure that commitments made through its engagements with SASSA are followed through, with outstanding concerns escalated to the appropriate level where necessary.

“While SASSA's operations and staffing fall under the national government's mandate, we have a shared responsibility to ensure that residents receive the services they deserve. Through strengthened cooperation with SASSA's regional leadership, we want to improve the escalation of service delivery concerns and find practical solutions that put the needs of Western Cape residents first,” concluded Minister Kaizer-Philander.

Media enquiries

Eslynn Apollis  

Media Liaison Officer

Provincial Minister Wendy Kaizer-Philander

Department of Social Development