The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has denied claims that its R30 million communications and marketing contract was intended to enhance the public image of its Chief Executive Officer, Themba Matlu.
These accusations arose following the publication of a report stating that R29 million of the three-year contract, covering the period from 2025 to 2028, was spent in the first year. The report also alleged that media engagement sessions organized by SASSA aimed to prevent negative coverage of Matlu's activities.
In a press statement released on Friday, the agency reported that the contract was initiated before Matlu became the Acting CEO in December 2024; at that time, he held the position of Regional Executive Manager responsible for the Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces.
SASSA emphasized that the contract's objective was to strengthen its marketing and communication capabilities across all nine provinces and increase public awareness of the services provided.
'Golden Card' Migration Campaign
SASSA indicated that one of the campaigns requiring continuous public information was the migration from 'Golden Cards' to accounts at Postbank or other banks. The agency noted that the migration process presented a significant challenge in public communications.
The initial deadline for migration was set for February 28, 2025. As this date approached, a large number of recipients had not yet completed the transition, necessitating an extension to March 20, 2025. By that time, over a million SASSA 'Golden Card' holders had still not migrated, so the deadline was further extended to April 30, 2025, while necessary informing and training of recipients continued.
SASSA utilized social media, traditional media, and public outreach events at bus stations and shopping centers to inform recipients about the migration procedure.
Agency Defends Media Engagements
The agency also defended its media engagements, stating that they were designed to assist journalists in understanding the agency's operational activities and providing accurate information regarding social grants, eligibility requirements, and grant reviews.
SASSA denied that Matlu began holding these meetings after becoming the Acting CEO, clarifying that his first media interaction took place in March 2025. The agency stressed that these meetings concerned important operational and policy issues affecting beneficiaries, including card migration, social grant reviews, and the Agency's two decades of service provision. It was noted, however, that the CEO's participation in explaining the workings of the institution he leads does not, in itself, prove the use of public resources for his personal promotion.