[ Home ] [ Speeches & statements ]

7 January 2009

The disciplinary action against the man accused of molesting young girls and taking video shots of the action is at an advanced stage within the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Special Assignment programme broadcast the actions of the man in the programme of Tuesday, 6 January 2009. He works for SASSA in Beaufort West.

The Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya said the alleged behaviour of the man is “outrageous, despicable and totally unacceptable. The very essence of SASSA and the Department of Social Development is to protect and assist the most vulnerable members of our society. We cannot have our own staff members violating children. While everyone has a right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, we view the allegations in a very serious light, hence the suspension and disciplinary hearing.”

The CEO of the South African Social Security Agency Fezile Makiwane said “the man is currently on suspension and the disciplinary process is in process alongside the criminal investigation. The region in which he works has been directed to fast track the disciplinary process. The minister is outraged and has instructed us to finalise the matter without delay.”

Dr Skweyiya urged members of the public to report such acts of abuse to social workers and the police. He urged social workers to provide utmost assistance to the families of the affected children in Beaufort West.

Enquiries: Zanele Mngadi
Cell: 082 330 1148

Issued by: Department of Social Development
7 January 2009
Source: Department of Social Development (http://www.dsd.gov.za/)