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The Citizen
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Here's how much the Sassa CEO earns
Unlike private sector executives, the Sassa CEO has not received any performance bonuses during the 2023–24 or 2024–25 financial years. The Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Tolashe, has revealed detailed information about the remuneration package of the Chief Executive Officer of the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), which operates under her department. The Sassa CEO earns an annual package of R2.65 million, exceeding the prescribed salary band for director-general-level positions by over R100,000. Tolashe recently revealed the compensation details in response to a parliamentary question from DA MP Thamsanqa Bhekokwakhe Mabhena, who requested information about executive remuneration across entities reporting to her department. Social development executive compensation structure The Sassa CEO, appointed in 2019, earns a monthly basic salary of R154,583.33. Tolashe explained that the executive receives 'additional compensation payable to heads of department, which is 10% non-pensionable allowance in line with Clause 9.1 of Chapter One(1) of the SMS Handbook (amended in April 2003).' The package significantly surpasses the standard salary band of R2,259,984 to R2,545,854 applicable to salary level sixteen positions at the director-general level. Tolashe noted that 'the salary package offered by the Department of Social Development (DSD) to the CEO which she accepted in 2019; was compared and matched with the salary package she (the CEO) stated; she was receiving from her previous employer; this being in line with Regulation 44 (3) (d) of the Public Service Regulations,2016; as amended.' ALSO READ: Here's what some of South Africa's SOE bosses earn Sassa CEO hot seat Busisiwe Mamela joined Sassa from Postbank as CEO in 2019. She was suspended last year, reportedly on full pay, amid an investigation into her appointment. According to Tolashe, Memela's precautionary suspension was due to issues raised by the Public Protector. ALSO READ: 'Myriad of serious issues' – Why Sassa CEO Memela-Khambula has been suspended Themba Matlou was later appointed as the acting CEO. A job listing for the position of CEO was advertised this year, with suspicion that Memela may have been dismissed. Speaking to The Citizen, the department said the position was advertised in preparation for the end of Memela's term. The department also refused to comment on the outcome of the investigation. Performance bonuses discontinued Unlike private-sector executives, the Sassa CEO did not receive performance bonuses during the 2023-24 or 2024-25 financial years. Tolashe confirmed that 'no performance bonus (once-off) was paid to the CEO because the payment of performance bonus to public servants was discontinued in 2021/22 FY, per DPSA circular number 01 of 2019, which circular is applicable to Sassa.' However, the CEO does receive an annual service bonus equivalent to a thirteenth cheque worth R154,583.33, paid each November. This benefit applies universally across the public service as 'a transversal service benefit applicable to all employees in the organisation, and the public service.' ALSO READ: Social development didn't fill all its vacancies — Here's why Regulatory framework The minister emphasised that executive remuneration at Sassa operates under specific legislative requirements. 'Section 7(2) (b) of the Sassa Act (Act No. 9 of 2004) states that 'The Minister for the Public Service & Administration (DPSA) in consultation with the Minister of Social Development and the Minister of Finance; must determine the remuneration and conditions of service of the Chief Executive Officer and the other members of the staff of the Agency',' Tolashe stated. Comparative compensation The National Development Agency (NDA), another entity under the department's oversight, pays its acting CEO R2,646,522.52 annually through a total cost-to-company package. This structure allows employees to customise their benefits allocation based on individual needs. Like Sassa, the NDA has not paid performance bonuses since the 2019 DPSA circular, which discontinued such payments across the public service. Sassa social grant increases for 2025 Child support grants will increase from R530 to R560, and grant-in-aid will receive an identical increase. Beyond executive compensation, the department oversees significant social spending through various grant programs. National Treasury's 2025 Budget Overview confirmed increases across multiple social grants, though the Social Relief of Distress grant remains unchanged. The old age grant will increase from R2,185 to R2,315, while the war veterans grant will increase from R2,205 to R2,335. Disability grants will climb from R2,185 to R2,315, and foster care grants will increase from R1,180 to R1,250. The care dependency grant matches the disability grant increase, moving from R2,185 to R2,315. ALSO READ: Sassa grant increases and SRD extension in 'Budget 3.0': What you need to know SRD grant extension Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced during his Budget Speech that 'the temporary Covid-19 SRD grant will be extended until 31 March 2026, with R35.2 billion allocated to maintain the current R370 per month per beneficiary, including administration costs.' Godongwana indicated government is 'actively exploring various options to better integrate' the SRD grant with employment opportunities. 'This includes considering a job-seeker allowance and other measures, as part of the review of Active Labour Market Programmes. 'Our goal is to not only provide immediate relief. It is also to create pathways to employment, empowering our citizens to build better futures for themselves and their families,' he said. ALSO READ: Sassa offices 'reach capacity for the day'? We have no policy to turn people away, says agency Sassa beneficiary statistics Sassa manages grants for approximately 19.2 million beneficiaries, distributed across various programs. This amount is distributed among the beneficiaries as follows: The child support grant serves the largest population with 13.1 million recipients, Followed by 4.1 million old age grant beneficiaries and 1.05 million disability grant recipients. Smaller programs include: 515,553 grant-in-aid recipients, 213,425 foster care beneficiaries, 172,459 care dependency beneficiaries, and seven war veterans receiving grants. Meanwhile, the SRD grant, operating in its fifth cycle since the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, currently assists approximately 9.2 million. The number includes all eligible South Africans, refugees, and asylum seekers. Treasury projects that social grant beneficiaries, excluding SRD recipients, will reach 19.3 million people by March 2028, with the grants budget increasing by R1.6 billion in the 2025-26 financial year. NOW READ: Early pay in May: Good news for Sassa SRD grant beneficiaries
Business Recorder
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Gold price per tola gains Rs800 in Pakistan
Gold prices in Pakistan rose on Wednesday in line with their increase in the international market. In the local market, gold price per tola reached Rs356,900 after it gained Rs800. Similarly, 10-gram gold was sold at Rs305,984 after it registered an increase of Rs684, as per the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA). On Tuesday, gold price per tola reached Rs356,100 after it gained Rs6,100. Moreover, the international rate of gold also increased on Wednesday. As per APGJSA, the rate was at $3,385 per ounce (with a premium of $20), an increase of $8 during the day. Likewise, silver price per tola remained unchanged at Rs3,482.
Express Tribune
07-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Gold prices rise again in local and international markets
Listen to article Gold prices rose again on Tuesday in both international and domestic markets, driven by sustained investor demand and ongoing global economic uncertainty. According to market data, the international bullion market saw an $8 per ounce increase in gold prices, bringing the rate to $3,385. This upward movement in global prices was mirrored in Pakistan's local bullion markets. The price of 24-karat gold per tola (11.66 grams) increased by Rs800, reaching Rs356,900, while the price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold rose by Rs684 to Rs305,984. In contrast, silver prices remained stable, with the rate for silver per tola unchanged at Rs3,482 and 10 grams of silver holding steady at Rs2,985. Market analysts continue to point to geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures as key drivers behind the rising gold demand. Investors are increasingly turning to gold as a safe-haven asset amid uncertainty.
New Straits Times
30-04-2025
- New Straits Times
Former Dungun Municipal Council officer, wife charged over RM4.9mil corruption
KUALA TERENGGANU: A former assistant quantity surveyor at the Dungun Municipal Council and his wife were charged separately in court here with abuse of power for soliciting bribes and submitting false documents involving a total value of RM4.9 million. According to BuletinTV3, Mohammad Hanif Ahmad, 41, and his wife, Maimunah Syahbudin, 47, pleaded not guilty before judge Mohd Azhar Othman at the Sessions Court here. Hanif was slapped with four charges of abusing his position as a public servant at the council to secure public cleaning and related work contracts worth RM4,984,296. He was accused of recommending companies owned by his father, brother, and friend to obtain the contracts between Dec 16, 2018, and March 9, 2021, in Jalan Yahaya Ahmad in Dungun. The charges were filed under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of no less than five times the amount of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher. Maimunah, a former contractor, was charged with 10 counts of using false documents, bank statements and company registration certificates from three different companies submitted to the municipal council. She allegedly committed the offences between Dec 17, 2020, and Jan 10, 2021, at the same location. The court set June 12 for mention of the case. The prosecution was led by MACC deputy public prosecutor Ezuain Farhana Ahmad, while both accused were represented by lawyer Ghazali Ismail.
Free Malaysia Today
30-04-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
Ex-civil servant, wife charged with abuse of power and falsifying documents
Hanif Ahmad faces four charges of abusing his position for gratification in the form of contracts for public cleaning services and related work worth a total of RM4,984,296. PETALING JAYA : A former assistant quantity surveyor at the Dungun Municipal Council (MPD) in Terengganu and his wife pleaded not guilty in the Kuala Terengganu sessions court to charges of abuse of power and submitting false documents. Utusan Malaysia reported that Hanif Ahmad, 41, and Maimunah Syahbudin, 47, made the plea after the charges against them were read out separately before judge Azhar Othman. Hanif faces four charges of abusing his position for gratification in the form of contracts for public cleaning services and related work worth a total of RM4,984,296 by recommending companies owned by his father, brother, and friends. He was accused of committing the offences at MPD on Jalan Yahaya Ahmad, Dungun, on Dec 16, 2018 and March 9, 2021. Hanif was charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, and faces up to 20 years' imprisonment and a fine of not less than five times the sum or value of the gratification, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction. Maimunah, a contractor at the time, was accused of submitting false account statements and company registration certificates for three different companies at MPD on Dec 17, 2020 and Jan 10, 2021. She faces 10 charges under Section 471 of the Penal Code, punishable by Section 465 which provides for up to two years' imprisonment, a fine or both upon conviction. The court set June 12 for re-mention of the case and allowed Hanif and Maimunah bail of RM18,000 and RM10,000 respectively.
