The Public Servants Association (PSA) expressed its approval of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruling that mandated the repayment of over R2 million to the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) by former social development minister Bathabile Dlamini.
In 2013, Sassa authorized the personal security expenditures that were intended for Dlamini but were not authorized. Lumka Oliphant, her former spokesperson, and their children were also compensated with the funds.
The agency paid a total of R3,499,606, with R2,008,086 allocated to the protection services for Dlamini’s children and R1,491,520 allocated to Oliphant and her children.
Dlamini and Oliphant asserted that they were subjected to threats subsequent to the Social Security Administration’s cessation of payments in 2012.
In 2013, Dlamini’s residence was burglarized, and her computer was seized.
However, Dlamini maintained that she was not obligated to pay Sassa any money.
Dlamini, Oliphant, and Virginia Petersen, the former CEO of Sassa, were held accountable for repaying government funds by the High Court in Pretoria last year.
PSA stated in a statement that the judgment should serve as a stark reminder to politicians that no one is above the law.
“Politicians often abuse their power by placing employees under enormous pressure by issuing unlawful instructions contrary to the prevailing legislative framework,” according to the report.
“Senior managers and heads of governmental institutions are often coerced by political leaders to act against legal prescripts to satisfy their personal and selfish agendas.”
The PSA also recommended that political leaders cease exploiting employees and the system to derive undue benefits at the expense of South Africa and organizations.
“Ministers enjoy protection from the South African Police Service VIP protection service hence it defies logic to procure a private security company,” according to the report.
“If there were dangers and threats, the same should have been reported to the SAPS for their assessment and advice rather than wasting state coffers with the hiring of private security.”
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