Latest news with #Matlou
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 South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs set to part ways with fan favourite
It's the end of the season for Kaizer Chiefs and they're set to make some big decision regarding their squad. Chiefs will finish yet another season outside the top eight, something that will call for a mass exodus. Although Chiefs managed to win the Nedbank Cup, their first trophy in 10-years, they won't play next season's MTN8. That will be the second time in a row that they miss out on the tournament and there will be consequences. One of those could be the parting of ways with coach Nasreddine Nabi and his whole technical staff. While that is still up for debate, what isn't is a player exodus. Not too long ago fan favourite George Matlou was rumoured to be at a crossroads with a contract renewal. The player re-endeared himself to the Chiefs faithful, after a good run in the cup run. But according to iDiski Times , that hasn't been enough to save his future at the club. The publication reports that he is soon to be rendered surplus to requirements. 'Kaizer Chiefs are set to part ways with midfielder George Matlou at the end of June. Matlou, 26, joined Chiefs in July 2022 from Moroka Swallows with the former Bidvest Wits youth development player signing a two-year contract with an option to extend for a further year. When his contract expired last season, Chiefs exercised the option which is now set to expire at the end of this coming June. Information gathered by iDiski Times states that Matlou will leave Chiefs at the end of next month (June), as Amakhosi have no plans in giving him a new contract at the club.' Wrote the publication. Matlou is set to form part of a larger group of players that will leave Chiefs this post season. It is thought the number will reach double figures. Amakhosi fans, is this the right decision from the club? Or is it only now that the 26-year-old really deserved to take some momentum into the next season? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs axe George Matlou – Here's why
Kaizer Chiefs will part ways with midfielder Lehlogonolo George Matlou at the end of June, marking another chapter in their ongoing squad revamp. Matlou, 26, arrived at Naturena in July 2022 after making a move from Moroka Swallows. The former Bidvest Wits youth product penned a two-year deal, with an option to extend for an additional season. Chiefs activated that extension last year, but the club has now decided against offering him a new contract. According to information obtained by iDiski Times , the midfielder will officially leave the club when his current contract expires next month. Chiefs have reportedly made it clear they do not intend to keep him on board beyond June. 'The player was keen to continue working with Nabi as the Soweto giants work towards being a force again,' the source said. Matlou had hoped to be part of Nasreddine Nabi's project, as the Tunisian tactician gears up for a pivotal season at the helm. However, it seems he won't be included in the manager's long-term plans. This isn't unfamiliar territory for Amakhosi. Just a year ago, the club delayed contract decisions on several senior players, including Sifiso Hlanti and Keagan Dolly. Both were left in limbo until 30 June, when they were officially released and forced to search for new clubs at short notice. Matlou now finds himself in a similar position, facing uncertainty as he prepares to exit the club. During his three-year stint at Chiefs, Matlou made 40 appearances, providing three assists but failing to score. Despite his limited impact on the scoresheet, he played a role in helping the club lift the Nedbank Cup, which ended a 10-year trophy drought for the Soweto outfit. Matlou's exit aligns with Kaizer Chiefs' apparent determination to rebuild and refresh the squad with new energy and direction. Will Chiefs regret letting Matlou go? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
7 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs latest: Nabi talks offseason player upgrades; Matlou latest
Kaizer Chiefs narrowly missed MTN8 Cup qualification on the season's final day after Richards Bay leapfrogged to eighth. The Kwa-Zulu Natal outfit made lightwork of SuperSport United, while AmaKhosi's fixture against Polokwane City ended goalless. With the offseason transfer window weeks away, Nasreddine Nabi has vowed to strengthen the side through new arrivals before the 2025/26 campaign starts. 'Yesterday we had an exchange with the management and the Chairman, and we know exactly what needs to be done in terms of players,' the Kaizer Chiefs coach confirmed. 'I will not say how many or which kind of players we need, but the recruitment department is working very hard, everyone knows the needs of the team, and contact has started already. 'When we get what we need, we are sure that the team is going to improve a lot.' With free agency around the corner (June 30) and no contract extension to speak off, George Matlou's Kaizer Chiefs career remains a huge question mark, however a faint slither of hope remains. After all, unlike other players, Nasreddine Nabi hasn't told him outright that he needs to find a new club, suggesting their to careful consideration on whether to keep the former Swallows maestro. But for now, Matlou is leaving it in gods hands. 'My contract is coming to an end, it's coming to an end but i'm going to leave that of course to God as I said, because I am one person who grew up in church,' Matlou told reporters. I'll give everything to God and of course most definitely to the technical team, to everyone, the board and staff, to give me the opportunity. But it's football, so I'm not going to plan for the future now.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs star wears kit in the streets for two days
Kaizer Chiefs midfielder George Matlou delighted Amakhosi supporters on social media this last week in celebration of the Nedbank Cup title. 'It was a great feeling for me, so I had to express my feelings, of course,' Matlou told the media. 'It's been one of those achievements that I was looking for as a player personally, so winning a cup with a brand like Kaizer Chiefs is one major achievement for me and for the club as well. 'It has been a while not winning a cup, so there were talks that 10 [years without a trophy] blah blah blah,' the Kaizer Chiefs midfielder added via FARPost . 'But yes, I'm one player that is in the history books that I have won a trophy for the club [part of the generation that ended the drought],' the 26-year-old from Soweto concluded. In the meantime, the midfielder is facing an uncertain future. His deal with the club ends on June 30. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
