SRD (Social Relief of Distress) Grant Fraud @KASIBCNEWS

SRD (Social Relief of Distress) Grant Fraud @KASIBCNEWS

The Democratic Alliance (DA) will today write to the Chairperson of the Social Development Portfolio Committee, Bridget Masango MP, requesting her to summon SASSA to the Committee meeting next week Wednesday to account for the shocking allegations of large-scale fraud within the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant system.

This follows the recent revelations by two Stellenbosch University computer science students who uncovered serious vulnerabilities in SASSA’s systems, which have been exploited to defraud some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

It is deeply concerning that a system meant to provide critical relief has been so badly compromised. The DA will demand that SASSA explain how this was allowed to happen, who is responsible, and what immediate steps will be taken to prevent further abuse. Simply admitting to "incidents of fraud" is not enough – this appears to be a coordinated effort, and SASSA must be held to account.

The DA will also welcome it if the students could present their findings to Parliament, as their discovery sheds light on the extent of the weaknesses in the SRD system. It is crucial that the Committee hears directly from those who uncovered the fraud to ensure that all relevant information is on record.

SASSA must disclose the full scale of the problem, explain how they plan to fix these issues, and ensure that eligible recipients are not unfairly denied their grants. The DA believes a full-scale inquiry is necessary to uncover the full extent of the fraud and ensure that the integrity of the SRD grant system is restored.

It is unacceptable that fraudsters have benefited while the most vulnerable continue to suffer due to apparent government incompetence. Urgent and transparent action is required to protect those who rely on this vital lifeline.

Special Provincial Funeral Pastor Ray McCauley @KASIBCNEWS

Special Provincial Funeral  Pastor Ray McCauley @KASIBCNEWS

Special Provincial Funeral for Pastor Ray McCauley of the Rhema Bible Church

 President Cyril Ramaphosa has designated the funeral of Pastor Ray McCauley as a Special Provincial Official Funeral Category 2. 

This follows Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s request that the President honour the life of the pioneering religious leader, social reformer, and founder of Rhema Bible Church. 

Pastor McCauley passed away on 8 October 2024, and will be laid to rest this coming Saturday, 19 October 2024 at Rhema Bible Church North at 8:00 AM. 

Pioneering Pastor Ray McCauley established the Rhema Bible Church in the late 1970s, spreading the gospel of racial integration even at the height of apartheid. 

He went on to plant more than 500 churches worldwide and see more than 10 000 Bible school graduates from Rhema Bible School. 

“We will remember Pastor Ray McCauley as an outstanding citizen of our country and a conscious person who had no problem differentiating between right and wrong. He was a fearless individual who did not follow the crowds but followed the truth and never wavered from preaching reconciliation and unity across all the sections of our society”, said Premier Lesufi. 

“The passing of the Founder of Rhema Church, my father Ps Ray McCauley has left a huge void, we now have the responsibility to carry on his legacy. We thank the President for honoring him in such a special way”, said Pastor Joshua McCauley. 

Details of the Special Provincial Official

Funeral Service are as follows: 

Date : Saturday, 19 October 2024 

Venue : Rhema Bible Church North 

 Time : 08:00  

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi Versus AfriForum @KASIBCNEWS

 

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi Versus AfriForum @KASIBCNEWS 

Premier Lesufi strongly refutes AfriForum allegations as baseless and misleading

Premier Panyaza Lesufi has strongly refuted allegations levelled against him of “covering up corruption, money laundering and fraud” within the Gauteng Provincial Government. The claims were made by AfriForum and allege that Premier Lesufi is a central figure in the cover-up of rampant corruption, money laundering, and fraud in the Gauteng Provincial Government. 

The allegation is centred around the investigations of the 13 officials from the Department of Social Development who are implicated in forensic investigations. 

“The officials were placed on special leave on allegations of misconduct between November 2023 and January 2024 to avoid them from tempering with the investigation and intimidating witnesses. However, the officials were reinstated in August 2024 as they had not been officially charged. However, the investigation by the Forensic Services Group on the officials is still ongoing. Once the investigation has been concluded the report will be made public. “This would not be the first time that the provincial government releases an investigative report to the public. 

In December 2022 we gave an update on investigative reports referred to Chapter Nine institutions such as the Special Investigating Unit, National Prosecuting Authority, and the Public Protector. These included reports on Anglo Ashanti, Tembisa Hospital, and the Driving License Testing Centres (DLTCs) amongst others. These reports sought to uncover maladministration, fraud, corruption and any other wrongdoing in these institutions and projects. 

Anglo Ashanti Hospital The internal disciplinary process for the implicated Anglo Ashanti officials is in the closing argument stage, whilst the law enforcement agencies are dealing with the criminal aspect of the case. 

Tembisa Hospital The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has since requested to investigate the Tembisa Hospital matter under the proclamation. Previously the investigation was done under the secondment agreement which limited the powers of the SIU. DLTCs The Department of Roads and Transport is currently implementing the recommendations of the investigation report. 

“Making these reports public forms part of our commitment as the Gauteng Provincial Government to institutionalise integrity and promote good governance and transparency. Whilst we are committed to making reports public, we must allow the investigators space and time to conclude their work”, said Premier Lesufi.