Latest news with #Mamela
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Themba Matlou officially new Sassa's CEO: Here's what we know
Matlou's permanent appointment follows his interim leadership role, which began when former CEO Busisiwe Mamela was suspended in November last year. The Cabinet has officially confirmed the appointment of Matsobane Themba Matlou as the CEO of the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), says the department of social development. The appointment concludes a period of interim leadership at the agency and represents a strategic move to restore governance and stability to an organisation serving millions of South Africans. SASSA family celebrates Mr Themba Matlou's appointment as CEO! With over 22 years of public service and a strong track record in grants administration, Matlou is ready to lead from the front.#SASSACARES #SASSACEOAppointment — SASSA (@OfficialSASSA) May 29, 2025 Background to Matlou's Sassa CEO appointment Matlou's permanent appointment follows his interim leadership role, which began when former CEO Busisiwe Mamela was suspended in November last year. Memela was reportedly suspended on full pay amid an investigation into her appointment. According to Minister of Social Development Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, Mamela's precautionary suspension resulted from issues raised by the Public Protector. Following Mamela's suspension, Matlou assumed the role of acting CEO. The permanent CEO position was subsequently advertised this year amid speculation about Mamela's potential dismissal. However, when approached by The Citizen, the department clarified that the position was advertised in preparation for the end of Mamela's term, while refusing to comment on the investigation's outcome. ALSO READ: 'Myriad of serious issues' – Why Sassa CEO Memela-Khambula has been suspended Matlou's public service experience According to the department, at 49, the Limpopo-born executive brings over 25 years of distinguished public service experience to his new role, with particular expertise in grants administration, strategic leadership, financial oversight and fraud risk management. Matlou is well-acquainted with Sassa's operations, having held various leadership positions in the agency for more than a decade before being appointed as acting CEO in December 2024. Prior to his appointment as an executive, he served as regional executive manager in multiple provinces including Limpopo, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal. The department said Matlou oversaw large-scale grant operations, including a R10 billion contract that served 11 million beneficiaries nationwide. ALSO READ: Sassa CEO's multimillion-rand package revealed amid suspension and grant hikes Sassa CEO academic credentials and professional development Matlou's academic foundation includes a master of management in governance from the University of the Witwatersrand and a bachelor of technology in public management from the University of South Africa. 'He has also completed specialised training in programme and project management, as well as public financial management at the University of Pretoria,' the department said. Before joining Sassa, Matlou developed his leadership capabilities in senior roles at the Mpumalanga office of the premier and the Mpumalanga department of health, where he spearheaded strategic planning and research initiatives. ALSO READ: Social development didn't fill all its vacancies — here's why Vision for service excellence According to the departmern, the new CEO's vision centres firmly on service excellence and operational improvement. 'He is committed to improving the customer experience by reducing long queues and promoting a culture of responsiveness among staff.' The department added that his strategic priorities include strengthening the agency's staffing capacity, driving operational efficiencies through automation and innovative technology, and intensifying anti-fraud initiatives through collaboration with key partners. 'He also aims to enhance risk management and uphold sound governance practices across the agency.' ALSO READ: Sassa grant increases and SRD extension in 'Budget 3.0': What you need to know Industry support and collaboration The National Development Agency (NDA) has expressed strong support for the appointment, extending its 'heartfelt' congratulations. 'As a sister agency under the department of social development, we look forward to continued collaboration in advancing the lives of South Africans, especially the most vulnerable,' the NDA said. It added that Matlou's appointment came at a critical time for SA's social development journey. It expressed its confidence in his vision, commitment and experience, saying that these qualities would 'further strengthen Sassa's impact'. 'We wish you every success in this important role and reaffirm our shared mission of building a more just and inclusive society.' NOW READ: Sassa offices 'reach capacity for the day'? We have no policy to turn people away, says agency
The Citizen
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
WIN tickets: Celebrate Mother's Day with Mi Casa and Shekhinah at Music at the Lake
WIN tickets: Celebrate Mother's Day with Mi Casa and Shekhinah at Music at the Lake OLD Mutual Music at the Lake is back for another incredible season of music which they are kicking off with a Mother's Day concert featuring Mi Casa and Shekhinah as the headline acts on Sunday, May 11, at the Durban Botanic Gardens. Starting at 14:00 (gates open at 13:00), the scenic musical extravaganza promises an afternoon of soulful sounds, celebration, and family-friendly fun. Bandile Mngoma, senior manager: sponsorships and events at Old Mutual, said they are proud to support the Music at the Lake series, a celebration of togetherness, local talent, and cultural pride. 'Our partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to enriching communities and creating shared moments of joy — especially on meaningful days like Mother's Day. We believe music has the power to connect people, and we are honoured to help provide a platform where families can come together and make lasting memories in the beautiful setting of Durban's iconic Botanic Gardens,' said Mngoma. Guests are encouraged to bring along picnic blankets, camping chairs, and their own food and drinks to enjoy a relaxed open-air experience while listening to the infectious house grooves of Mi Casa who will be singing some of their biggest hits like Jika, Mamela and Who Cares. If a mellow vibe is more your thing, then powerhouse vocalist and platinum-selling artist Shekhinah will captivate you with her emotive blend of pop and R&B as the Suited, Risk, and Please Mr singer performs live. Tickets can be purchased via Webtickets: Webtickets. To stand a chance to win one double set of tickets to see Mi Casa and Shekhinah perform live, fill in your details below: Spend Mother's Day with Mi Casa and Shekhinah Name and surname Email address Cellphone number CAPTCHA For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
