/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The agreement for the South African Post Office (SAPO) to assist SASSA in the distribution of social grants is meant to be signed today.

Previous experiences have taught us, however, that Minister Bathabile Dlamini cannot be trusted to act in the interest of the people of South Africa and the 17 million vulnerable citizens who rely on social grants. Dodging Dlamini has in fact done everything in her power to ensure the illegal contract with CPS is extended, in all likelihood for her own benefit.

It is with this in mind that the DA will write to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Rosemary Capa, to request that the SASSA-SAPO deal is immediately tabled in Parliament, in the interest of openness and transparency.

Minister Dlamini has been one of the biggest obstacles to this SASSA and SAPO deal. And she has seemingly gone out of her way to prevent SAPO from taking over the distribution of grants in order to either, continue with the illegal CPS contract, or because she has a new private company in mind.

Even National Treasury has pointed towards political interference in this entire procurement process.

The Minister’s seeming interference will no doubt have an impact on SAPO’s readiness to fully take over the distribution of social grants and given her interference, it is highly unlikely that SAPO will be ready to take over .

It is therefore vital that Parliament and the public understand the full scope of this agreement between SASSA and SAPO.

The Minister has seemed almost desperate to frustrate every effort to ensure that SAPO does not qualify as a suitable service provider.

President Zuma has allowed Dodging Dlamini to evade accountability for far too long despite the fact that she has continuously jeopardised the welfare of millions of South Africans. The DA will continue to push for her to be held accountable through all available mechanisms.

Issued by DA