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Sassa denies R30m contract was meant to promote its CEO

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The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) rejected a newspaper claim that a R30m communication contract was meant to make CEO Themba Matlou look good. It said the contract aims to improve communication with social grant beneficiaries.

Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi said the process began before Matlou took over. Letsatsi said: "The contract was therefore not initiated with Mr Matlou in mind,"

Sassa also rejected suggestions that its media engagements aimed to influence journalists or discourage critical reporting. It said it does not expect favourable coverage in exchange for access to its officials.

Sassa said the Public Protector cleared Matlou of wrongdoing over earlier allegations that the newspaper report referred to. Matlou has been acting CEO since December 2024.

Key facts

Who
Themba Matlou (CEO of Sassa (acting CEO from December 2024)); Paseka Letsatsi (Sassa spokesperson); SA Social Security Agency (agency that denied the claims); Mail & Guardian (outlet whose report prompted the response)
What
Sassa rejected a Mail & Guardian report claiming a R30m communication contract was meant to make its CEO look good. The agency said the contract aimed to improve communication with social grant beneficiaries and was not initiated with Matlou in mind.
When
23 October 2026
Where
South Africa
Status
Reported

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