SASSA HAS A NEW CEO

By Precious Mupenzi

• ⁠The appointment of Mr Matsobane Themba Matlou as the permanent CEO concludes a period of interim leadership at SASSA and aims to restore governance and stability.
• ⁠Matlou’s hands-on experience managing multi-billion-rand operations and serving 11 million beneficiaries highlights his capability to lead a complex agency like SASSA.
• Matlou’s strong emphasis on customer service, digital transformation, and anti-fraud initiatives reflects a progressive strategy to modernise SASSA’s operations and rebuild public confidence in the agency.

Cape Town: Cabinet has officially confirmed the appointment of Mr Matsobane Themba Matlou as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). This marks a significant step in the Department of Social Development’s efforts to stabilise leadership in the sector.
Born in Limpopo, Matlou brings more than 25 years of distinguished public service experience, particularly in grants administration, strategic leadership, financial oversight, and fraud risk management. His appointment aligns with the broader commitment of the Minister of Social Development, Ms. Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, to strengthen governance and leadership within SASSA and the broader portfolio.
At 49, Matlou is no stranger to the agency. He has held various leadership roles within SASSA for over a decade and has served as Acting CEO since December 2024. Previously, he served as Regional Executive Manager in multiple provinces—Limpopo, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal—where he oversaw large-scale grant operations, including a R10 billion contract that served 11 million beneficiaries nationwide.
His academic credentials include a Master of Management in Governance from the University of the Witwatersrand and a Bachelor of Technology in Public Management from UNISA. He has also completed specialised training in programme and project management, as well as public financial management, at the University of Pretoria.

Before joining SASSA, Matlou honed his leadership skills in senior roles at the Mpumalanga Office of the Premier and the Mpumalanga Department of Health, where he led strategic planning and research initiatives.
As CEO, Matlou’s vision is firmly rooted in service excellence. He is committed to improving the customer experience by reducing long queues and promoting a culture of responsiveness among staff. His priorities include strengthening SASSA’s staffing capacity, driving operational efficiencies through automation and innovative technology, and intensifying anti-fraud initiatives in collaboration with key partners. He also aims to enhance risk management and uphold sound governance practices across the agency.
Matlou has extensive experience in the public sector and a history of leadership. He is anticipated to contribute significantly to enhancing SASSA’s financial accountability and service delivery.