It’s been a particularly bruising day in court for Sassa. Or, at least, the previous masterminds at the helm. Former minister Bathabile Dlamini and ex-CEO Pearl Bhengu have been up to no good whatsoever.

As reported by eNCA, comprehensive reviews of expenditure during their time in cahoots have turned up some pretty eye-watering figures.

Spare a thought for Susan Shabangu, too. The recently appointed Social Development Minister had to sit through it all…

New Social Development Minister Susan Shabangu puts her head on the table during this excruciating#SASSA irregular expenditure hearing in Parliament. Ruing the day she took this job. pic.twitter.com/XxZfqlpdMJ — Annika Larsen (@AnnikaLarsen1) May 22, 2018

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) went through the lurid details with a fine toothcomb. The behaviour they’ve uncovered is beyond reckless:

What Pearl Bhengu and Bathabile Dlamini are said to have spent:

The total in irregular expenditure comes to R1.3 billion: An unthinkably high amount for two public servants in one department.

There are 664 cases under consideration. Just let that sink in.

Bathabile Dlamini used R2 million from Sassa’s pot to hire top-notch security for her children. This was entirely excessive.

Dlamini and Bhengu spent R43 million on “work streams” to figure out a new grants system. It proved utterly fruitless.

The pair orchestrated “wholesale abuse” of the emergency funding system, asking for triple the price of what blankets and sheets would originally cost.

Oh, and this little number:

Parliament hears that SASSA approved in one day in Dec last year a marquee R485 000, flooring, R482 000, decor R487 000 and gifts for VIPS of R480 000. All just under R500 000 which puts it out of rules for special urgent spending. @eNCA — Annika Larsen (@AnnikaLarsen1) May 22, 2018

Sassa cancels CPS replacement tenders

Court papers submitted last week have revealed that Sassa has backed out of finding a replacement for Cash Paymaster Services (CPS).

News24 report that ConCourt received papers from Minister Susan Shabangu. They confirm that Abraham Mahlangu, the newly-appointed acting CEO, cancelled the tender process for finding a new provider on 15 May.

Shabangu moved to clarify the department’s intentions, stating that no advisory committees or work strategies could help Sassa take over the CPS in full: