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Matlou's permanent appointment follows his interim leadership role, which began when former CEO Busisiwe Mamela was suspended in November last year.
Sassa CEO Themba Matlou Image: Twitter/@OfficialSASSA
The Cabinet has officially confirmed the appointment of Matsobane Themba Matlou as the CEO of the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), says the department of social development.
The appointment concludes a period of interim leadership at the agency and represents a strategic move to restore governance and stability to an organisation serving millions of South Africans.
SASSA family celebrates Mr Themba Matlou’s appointment as CEO!
— SASSA (@OfficialSASSA) May 29, 2025
With over 22 years of public service and a strong track record in grants administration, Matlou is ready to lead from the front.#SASSACARES #SASSACEOAppointment pic.twitter.com/sSFPfzFxD4
Background to Matlou’s Sassa CEO appointment
Matlou’s permanent appointment follows his interim leadership role, which began when former CEO Busisiwe Mamela was suspended in November last year.
Memela was reportedly suspended on full pay amid an investigation into her appointment.
According to Minister of Social Development Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, Mamela’s precautionary suspension resulted from issues raised by the Public Protector.
Following Mamela’s suspension, Matlou assumed the role of acting CEO.
The permanent CEO position was subsequently advertised this year amid speculation about Mamela’s potential dismissal.
However, when approached by The Citizen, the department clarified that the position was advertised in preparation for the end of Mamela’s term, while refusing to comment on the investigation’s outcome.
ALSO READ: ‘Myriad of serious issues’ – Why Sassa CEO Memela-Khambula has been suspended
Matlou’s public service experience
According to the department, at 49, the Limpopo-born executive brings over 25 years of distinguished public service experience to his new role, with particular expertise in grants administration, strategic leadership, financial oversight and fraud risk management.
Matlou is well-acquainted with Sassa’s operations, having held various leadership positions in the agency for more than a decade before being appointed as acting CEO in December 2024.
Prior to his appointment as an executive, he served as regional executive manager in multiple provinces including Limpopo, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal.
The department said Matlou oversaw large-scale grant operations, including a R10 billion contract that served 11 million beneficiaries nationwide.
New leadership alert! 🚨
— Social Development (@The_DSD) May 29, 2025
SASSA appoints a new CEO—what changes can beneficiaries expect? Stay informed with the latest updates. #SASSACEOAppointment #SASSACARES@OfficialSASSA @nda_rsa @GovernmentZA pic.twitter.com/6CobjXIxrQ
ALSO READ: Sassa CEO’s multimillion-rand package revealed amid suspension and grant hikes
Sassa CEO academic credentials and professional development
Matlou’s academic foundation includes a master of management in governance from the University of the Witwatersrand and a bachelor of technology in public management from the University of South Africa.
“He has also completed specialised training in programme and project management, as well as public financial management at the University of Pretoria,” the department said.
Before joining Sassa, Matlou developed his leadership capabilities in senior roles at the Mpumalanga office of the premier and the Mpumalanga department of health, where he spearheaded strategic planning and research initiatives.
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Vision for service excellence
According to the departmern, the new CEO’s vision centres firmly on service excellence and operational improvement.
“He is committed to improving the customer experience by reducing long queues and promoting a culture of responsiveness among staff.”
The department added that his strategic priorities include strengthening the agency’s staffing capacity, driving operational efficiencies through automation and innovative technology, and intensifying anti-fraud initiatives through collaboration with key partners.
“He also aims to enhance risk management and uphold sound governance practices across the agency.”
ALSO READ: Sassa grant increases and SRD extension in ‘Budget 3.0’: What you need to know
Industry support and collaboration
The National Development Agency (NDA) has expressed strong support for the appointment, extending its “heartfelt” congratulations.
“As a sister agency under the department of social development, we look forward to continued collaboration in advancing the lives of South Africans, especially the most vulnerable,” the NDA said.
It added that Matlou’s appointment came at a critical time for SA’s social development journey.
It expressed its confidence in his vision, commitment and experience, saying that these qualities would “further strengthen Sassa’s impact”.
“We wish you every success in this important role and reaffirm our shared mission of building a more just and inclusive society.”
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