Pretoria– Government has recovered millions and saved billions from disentitled beneficiaries, through a joint investigation by the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) and the Department of Social Development.

“To date a total amount of R63 million has been recovered from disentitled beneficiaries,” said Social Development Minister Zola Skweyiya, adding that “the investigation has saved the government a total R7.7 billion.”

Addressing the media Monday, the minister said the SIU was tasked in 2005 to investigate the fraud, corruption and maladministration that plagued the social grant system.

“Almost three years on, there has been a dramatic turn around in the social grant system from one riddled with irregularities and fraud to a system that South Africans can be more proud of.

“The investigation has primarily focused on public employees however the focus has broadened to include private beneficiaries,” the minister said.

Minister Skweyiya said since the inception of the investigation, 21 588 government employees were found to be on the system irregularly and have since been removed from the system.

Of these, 3 657 have already been referred for disciplinary action which ranges from warnings to dismissals.

Due to the investigations, 143 485 people have been recommended for removal from the system and 21 587 civil servant grants have been stopped.

“The SIU’s investigation, vigorous prosecutions and an increased public awareness campaign has led to an improved culture of legal compliance,” Minister Skweyiya said.

He said irregular and disentitled beneficiaries are being brought to book and are being held liable for criminal conduct.

Since the inception of the investigation over 5 500 cases were taken to court.

Head of the Special Investigating Unit Willie Hofmeyer said they started the investigations by identifying the corrupt officials.

“Due to the nature of the investigations, we are looking at adding 200 more people to assist in the investigations,” said Mr Hofmeyer.

In a bid to prevent further incidences of fraud and corruption in the social grant system, the minister announced that the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will be embarking on a national campaign to enforce compliance at pay points.

The agency will be deploying a number of compliance teams throughout the country starting in Mpumalanga this month.

He said the campaign is intended to highlight areas of improvement and will entail inspecting pay points to determine whether or not they comply with norms and standards.

Since the launch of SASSA, nine regional offices have been established with regional executive managers either in an acting or permanent capacity. - BuaNews