Latest news with #Tolashe
Eyewitness News
4 days ago
- Eyewitness News
Tolashe promises to ensure names of convicted kidnappers, child traffickers added to Child Protection Register
CAPE TOWN - Social Development Minister Nokuzola Tolashe has promised to ensure that the names of the convicted kidnappers and child traffickers are added to the national Child Protection Register. Tolashe's comment comes after Judge Nathan Erasmus on Thursday ordered that the names of convicted traffickers Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn be added to the Child Protection Register. They were given life sentences for trafficking and 10 years for kidnapping in the Joshlin Smith case. Tolashe's spokesperson Bathembu Futshane: "To date, 26,852 children are registered in part A of the register as children in need of care. 12,728 have been registered in part B of the register as people found to be unsuitable to work with children. Minister Tolashe commits that she will ensure that the names of the convicted kidnappers and child traffickers, in this and other child abuse cases, appear immediately on the CPR."
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
The South African
23-05-2025
- Health
- The South African
Minister flags staggering child abuse stats in KZN
In the first quarter of 2025, KwaZulu-Natal recorded 3 653 cases of child abuse and neglect. The Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, warned that the province is also struggling with high rates of teenage pregnancy. 'Umkhanyakude District Municipality is one of municipalities that are still battling with teenage pregnancy with a record of 11 deliveries for children between 10 – 14 years', said DSD spokesperson, Nomfundo Xulu-Lentsoane. She said the statistics were recorded between January to March 2025. According to Xulu-Lentsoane, 741 children between the ages of 15 and 19-years-old gave birth in KZN during the same period. Since the beginning of May, Minister Tolashe has been visiting various parts of the country to raise awareness about Child Protection Month. Today, 23 May 2025, she is taking the campaign to a town bordering eSwatini, Manguzi in KwaZulu-Natal. 'The Minister is the champion of the District Development Model and will be raising awareness on the plight of children in that area. While bringing all services of the department and its agencies, the South African Social Security Agency and the National Development Agency', said Xulu-Lentsoane. 'The Minister will be bringing all services of the DSD, including substance abuse prevention and Non-Profit Organisation compliance', Xulu-Lentsoane continued. She said other stakeholders like the Director General of Social Development, Peter Netshipale, the Acting CEO of Sassa, Themba Matlou as well as the Acting CEO of NDA, Thabani Buthelezi, will also be at the roadshow to assist the public with their needs. Additionally, Xulu-Lentsoane said members of the community will be able to make Sassa applications for all social grants. GENDER BASED VIOLENCE AND FEMICIDE REMAINS A CONCERN FOR KZN The department spokesperson said Minister Tolashe will also be meeting with the traditional leadership of Manguzi. She is anticipating that they will work as partners in the fight against Gender Based violence and Femicide. 'Minister Tolashe also co-chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the 90-day acceleration to fight against Gender Based violence and Femicide', she said. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS CAUSING TEENAGE PREGNANCY STATS TO RISE DESPITE SA OFFERING FREE BIRTH CONTROL? 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.
Eyewitness News
12-05-2025
- Eyewitness News
Tolashe appalled by stats of child abuse released in 2024/2025 financial year
JOHANNESBURG - Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe said the statistics of child abuse released in the 2024/2025 financial year are appalling. Tolashe sounded the alarm while speaking at the launch of a campaign geared towards Child Protection Month in Free State on Sunday. ALSO READ: DSD says fight against child trafficking, abuse must start at home The department will be running different campaigns to address challenges faced by children, including abuse, exploitation, and child trafficking. The recorded figures stand at around 26,000 in that single reporting period. Tolashe said violence has a long-lasting effect on the psychology of children. 'The situation is bad, as we said earlier on, we are articulating statistics where these cases are being reported. Remember, our people are not convinced that these cases should be reported.'
