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The Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, has noted the speculative reports disguised as an investigation by the Sunday Times today.

It is disappointing that a newspaper of the Sunday Times stature would not take this old and tired story forward by providing their facts and evidence to South Africans or at least quote people who are prepared to speak on the record.

The Sunday Times, its editors and owners are intent on pushing the narrative that the Minister is corrupt but they are not providing South Africa with any proof that the Minister is gaining benefit or has gained benefits from the Cash Paymaster Services contract.

For the past four years different media have been writing about this alleged relationship but none of these investigations are bringing forth anything new but only speculation.

It would have been easier and more credible of the Sunday Times to provide the evidence that the Minister received a bribe and at least show South Africa that these messages were indeed from the Minister.

To this end, the Department of Social Development requests accurate, fair and unbiased reporting. Media houses should know that they should be weary of unsubstantiated and fabrication of stories by disgruntled people who are themselves not innocent and were positioning themselves to gain from the payment of social grants.

The one question South Africans should be asking, is why are these "sources" not approaching law enforcement agencies with their evidence. Instead they would rather take the option of creating doubt in the minds of South Africans.

The Minister has also noted the comments by the opposition party to take this matter to the Public Protector and she welcomes the progressive step by the Democratic Alliance.

"A proper investigation by the Public Protector would bring an end to the pseudo investigations by every other person who is not interested in the truth and the objectivity, fairness they should be guided by. The Constitutional Court has made its ruling, every social grant beneficiary was paid as has always been the case but it looks like those who are desperate and with the agenda to tarnish the Minister want to open the case afresh through the media," said the Minister.

The Hawks have already investigated the corruption claims and the matter was closed in November 2015. The case was also dismissed by the American law enforcement agencies but media houses choose to ignore these facts and want to continue with their defamatory reports.

Minister Dlamini would like to reiterate that the Government’s social assistance programme remains an important safety net for millions of South Africans. It is at the heart of government’s poverty alleviation programme, and has helped to restore the dignity of our people.

Issued by GCIS on behalf of Department of Social Development