SASSA CEO WELCOMES PERMANENT APPOINTMENT OF REGIONAL EXECUTIVE MANAGERS

By DSD News.

• The appointments reflect Minister Tolashe’s commitment to stabilising the social development sector.
• All three appointees are women, reflecting SASSA’s approach to gender representation and diversity in leadership roles.
• Permanent appointments improve governance and operations in Limpopo, Free State, and Northern Cape.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), under the leadership of the Minister of Social Development – Ms Sisisi Tolashe, has welcomed the permanent appointment of Regional Executive Managers (REMs) in Limpopo, Free State and Northern Cape.

This decision by Cabinet is part of the Minister’s commitment to stabilising the Social Development sector, and ensuring strong leadership across the Agency.

The SASSA CEO, Mr Themba Matlou, described the appointments as a milestone in advancing Minister Tolashe’s vision of improving service delivery and restoring stability. He emphasised that filling these critical executive posts would enhance efficiency, restore public confidence and position the Agency for greater impact to communities.

“We must fill critical executive posts. This will improve organisational efficiency, strategic leadership, service delivery, public confidence and stability within the Agency,” added Matlou. All of these three appointments have been awarded to women – a development that Mr Matlou celebrated as both timely and symbolic, following the conclusion of Women’s Month. “These appointments come just as we concluded the commemoration of Women’s Month. I am delighted, and proud, that all of the three officials who have been appointed are women. This is a step in the right direction and signifies SASSA’s commitment in empowering women and fostering a diverse, inclusive executive management team,” said Matlou enthusiastically.

Mr Matlou also extended his heartfelt appreciation to the outgoing Acting Regional Executive Manager in Limpopo, Mr Tsundzuka Rikhotso, and all officials who have previously acted in the vacant Regional Executive Manager posts.

The Regional Executive Managers have been appointed as follows:
•⁠ ⁠Ms Mmapula Pheeha has been appointed Regional Executive Manager for SASSA Limpopo Region. Ms Mmapula Pheeha boasts over 23 years of experience in financial management at an executive level and has also served for many years as the Chief Financial Officer at various departments under the Government of the Province of Limpopo. Ms Pheeha also worked at various public entities and private sector environments, and thus possesses the necessary experience required for the leadership she is appointed to. She is bringing to the Agency the competencies required in strategic planning and leadership, financial management, business unit development and people empowerment including change management, project and programme management. She also has a proven track record of leading diverse teams of professionals to new levels of success in a variety of highly competitive industries.

•⁠ ⁠Ms Nkele Ntlhe has been appointed Regional Executive Manager for SASSA Free State Region. Ms Nkele Ntlhe, who has been Acting Free State REM, boasts over 20 years’ work experience as Senior Manager in both Communication Head Office SASSA and as District Manager Fezile Dabi in the Free State Regional Office within SASSA and has extensive experience working in the public sector, private sector and managing strategic programmes at SASSA. She brings a wealth of experience in grant administration, communication, strategic planning, innovation within internal communication, branding, and stakeholder management.

•⁠ ⁠Ms Karabelo Mojanaga has been appointed Regional Executive Manager for SASSA Northern Cape. Ms Karabelo Mojanaga has also been Acting Northern Cape REM. She has over 19 years of experience in the financial sector – accumulating vast experience in both the public and private sectors, and is an innovative thinker with unmatched problem-solving skills. She was a General Manager Finance within SASSA and previously served as Chief Financial Officer in the Northern Cape provincial Treasury – having also acquired a clean audit for the department eight times in a row before joining SASSA. She acted as the Head of Department of the Provincial Treasury, having stabilised the provincial fiscus.

“We are confident that they will hit the ground running and make a meaningful impact on the organisation and trust that they will lead, with transparency, commitment and integrity; leading their regions to new and greater heights,” concluded CEO Matlou.