Sassa exposé paves investigative journalism career for Fourways High alumni
Veer Gosai, from Fourways, and Joel Cedras, who are studying computer science at Stellenbosch University, have added the title investigative journalists to their names after exposing the Sassa fraud scandal.
A chance investigation into the South African Social Security Agency’s (Sassa) Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant system by two university friends, Veer Gosai, from Fourways, and Joel Cedras, exposed a fraud scandal that many people were not aware they were victims of.
The investigation began when Gosai discovered someone had opened a Sassa grant and bank account in his name without his knowledge. The exposé sparked a media frenzy, putting Gosai and Cedras into the spotlight and adding investigative journalists to their names.
“We didn’t think the story would be that big, but I remember waking up a few days after publishing and checking Google and we were everywhere. That story will forever hold a special place for me as it resulted in three national TV interviews and eight radio interviews.
Also read: Fourways High alumni hailed a hero after exposing SASSA grant fraud scheme
“This eventually led Joel and me presenting our findings to the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. It all happened so fast, but what stays with me is the impact of the story. The fact of the matter is that the grant is meant for the people who are the most vulnerable and by doing this we hope that the money goes to people who need it the most.”
The duo are studying computer science at Stellenbosch University. Gosai said they had no idea that they would soon be merging computer science with journalism after breaking news headlines.
He said they are now affiliated with GroundUp, one of the largest non-profit news agencies in South Africa, and it is an extreme honour for them. Gosai has found his new niche.
“Being a computer science student, it makes me extremely excited when looking into, and covering, any stories related to computers or technology in any way. Our technical background lets us speed up the process on many of the stories we have covered and plan to cover.
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“Currently Joel and I are only focusing on science journalism, related to information technology in South Africa, such as security vulnerabilities, RICA fraud, data leaks, etc.”
He said he enjoys sharing technology-related-stories, simplifying them and making them accessible to everyone.
“Recently, I’ve been involved in a story related to RICA fraud and investigating a company called Edumarks, which illegally gained access to the matric mark database early and was selling it. I, so far, do have a few more projects lined up, but at this moment, due to the sensitivity of it, I can’t disclose them… Yet.”
He said journalism blended very well with his love for technology, in fact, it has expanded his computer knowledge and investigative skills.
“In addition to writing for GroundUp, I had the privilege of interning at Capitec Bank, in forensics monitoring and operations, which taught me a lot about financial fraud, cybersecurity, anti-money laundering, and credit fraud in banking.”
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