'I've been on sick leave': Sassa CEO sets the record straight

13 March 2017 9:40 AM

Sassa CEO Thokozani Magwaza returns to work at the Social Development Department after a leave of absence which has raised much speculation.

Magwaza insists that he has been on sick leave and refuted claims that he was suspended by Minister Bathabile Dlamini.

Also read: D-Day for Bathabile Dlamini to explain Sassa crisis to ConCourt

Magwaza says he first heard about his alleged 'suspension' in newspaper reports which claimed that he was in the "dog box" over writing a letter to the South African Post Office (Sapo).

Although he was initially concerned about vague comments made by department spokesperson, Lumka Oliphant, Magwaza says he is certain that his job is secure.

Magwaza says he has been pushing to collaborate with other government departments to help solve the social grants crisis.

He says he is not aware of any disapproval from Dlamini after he wrote the letter to Sapo.

I wouldn't know if Minister has some different view on the issue of me doing what I've done. The Minister has not said directly to me that I'm out of line.
— Thokozani Magwaza, Sassa CEO

Magwaza claims he was involved in the Sassa crisis at a very late stage, as he was only appointed CEO in November.

Listen to Thokozani Magwaza set the record straight and explain how the fiasco unfolded:

This article first appeared on CapeTalk : 'I've been on sick leave': Sassa CEO sets the record straight

Written by: Qama Qukula