Sassa and Postbank stalemate passed back to the Presidency

THE stalemate between the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) and the Postbank over the former's stipulation of a three-month extension of a Master Service Agreement (MSA) affecting about 3 million beneficiaries has to go back to the Presidency after as tensions heat up between the two entities.

- BANELE GININDZA

This is as the Department of Planning Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) cited by both parties in the dispute as a mandated mediator referred to the appointment of an inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to the Presidency, suggesting the mediation process has not begun.

DPME Ministerial spokesperson Litha Mpondwana referred responses to the Presidency as the establishment of intergovernmental committees was the prerogative of the Presidency.

"The DPME has been involved in intergovernmental relations processes, which seek to facilitate the optimal provision of social grants to beneficiaries," Mpondwana said.

Sassa's senior manager for Media Relations Andile Tshona said the entity stood fast on its decision on the three-month extension of the MSA.