MINISTER TOLASHE ACKNOWLEDGES SOCIAL RELIEF OF DISTRESS SYSTEM WEAKNESSES, PLEDGES URGENT REFORMS

By Precious Mupenzi

• Minister of Social Development Nokuzola Tolashe presented the final report on the investigation into the vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress system to the Parliamentary portfolio committee on social development.
• A task team of officials from the Department of Social Development and the South African Social Security Agency appointed a service provider to conduct an independent investigation and carry out vulnerability and penetration tests.
• The minister emphasised that the digital era presents constant threats, making cybersecurity a global concern that affects individuals, governments, and organisations.

Minister of Social Development Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe has assured the portfolio committee on social development that her department is committed to addressing the vulnerabilities and weaknesses identified in the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (cSRD) system.

Presenting the final report on the independent investigation into the system on 26 February 2025, she reaffirmed the government’s determination to protect public funds and strengthen grant administration. 

“This process emanated after we were confronted by the challenge presented by the Stellenbosch students, and this house requested us to respond to the issues raised and to shed light on the cSRD application process and system,” she explained.

Following these concerns, the committee called for a thorough investigation into alleged fraud and weaknesses in the system, including a vulnerability and penetration test. 

To ensure an impartial assessment, the department appointed a task team comprising officials from the Department of Social Development and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

“We appointed a service provider to conduct the investigation and carry out vulnerability and penetration tests,” she stated. 

The minister emphasised that the digital era presents constant threats, making cybersecurity a global concern that affects individuals, governments, and organisations.

“Unfortunately, this global issue has reached our shores, and we are seeing its effects in the very systems we manage to serve the most vulnerable members of society,” she noted. 

Reaffirming the department’s zero tolerance for fraud and corruption, she stressed the impact of any wrongdoing.

“We understand that any fraud in the system amounts to taking food out of the mouth of the poor, and this is unacceptable,” she declared.

The department, along with SASSA, is determined to ensure that grants are paid to the rightful beneficiaries without interference from fraudulent activities. 

The final report, according to the minister, highlights “significant vulnerabilities and weaknesses” within the cSRD grant system.

In response, the department has developed a management plan to address these concerns, including regular system upgrades. “We recognise the weaknesses and concerns that have been raised, and we are committed to addressing them with the utmost urgency,” she assured. 

She also pointed out the increasing cyber threats faced by government institutions, referencing a recent cyberattack on the South African Weather Service.

“If cybercriminals can hack the weather service agency, which does not keep any financial system, it shows the need for regular system checks and upgrades,” she warned. 

The portfolio committee was presented with the department’s implementation plan, outlining measures to close the gaps identified in the report.

Concluding her remarks, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to strengthen digital security and ensure the integrity of the country’s social grant system. “As government moves towards creating an integrated system, we must be cognisant of security risks to ensure the protection of our system,” she stated.