In a decisive move to protect public funds, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has dismissed five officials caught up in a sprawling fraud and corruption scandal at its Johannesburg Local Office.

The dismissal, part of a larger crackdown that saw eight officials arrested and charged last year, highlight the Agency’s no-nonsense approach to wrongdoing.

SASSA CEO Themba confirmed that the dismissed officials are among eight who faced charges of fraud-related offences, while the remaining three cases are still pending court verdicts.

“The criminal investigations are ongoing, underscoring the seriousness with which SASSA treats any abuse of its systems.”

Matlou added that the Johannesburg Local Office, located at 1 De Villiers Street, where the fraudulent activity was conducted, has been reopened, after it was temporarily closed from 15 September 2025 for the agency to implement fraud prevention measures.

“During this shutdown, SASSA strengthened internal controls, improved oversight, and rolled out robust fraud prevention measures. Beneficiaries were not left in the lurch: staff and services were temporarily redeployed to ensure uninterrupted access to essential social grants across Johannesburg and neighbouring areas.”

Matlou says the dismissals send a strong signal that criminal activity within the agency will not be tolerated.

“Fraud and corruption have no place in our Agency. Accountability is non-negotiable, and any official found guilty of misconduct will face decisive consequences. We remain committed to protecting public resources and restoring trust in our services.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an urgent investigation into a controversial multinational naval exercise after instructions to exclude Iran’s navy were allegedly ignored.

The Presidency confirmed on Thursday that an independent investigative panel has been established to probe events surrounding Exercise MOSI III – Will of Peace 2026, which took place in South African waters under Chinese leadership.

The inquiry will be chaired by retired judge Bernard Ngoepe, supported by Justice Kathleen Satchwell, Justice Mmathebe Leeuw, and Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) P.T. Duze. The panel will report directly to the President.

According to the Presidency, the investigation was transferred from the Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans to the Presidency to ensure an independent and swift probe.

At the centre of the investigation is the reported failure to comply with a Presidential directive stating that the navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran should not participate in the exercise.

As Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force under Section 202(1) of the Constitution, Ramaphosa has authority over military operations and oversight of defence matters.

What the panel will investigate

The investigative panel has been tasked with determining:

• The circumstances surrounding the naval exercise
• Why the President’s instruction was allegedly not followed
• Who may have been responsible
• What consequences or disciplinary steps should follow

The panel will have wide-ranging powers, including the authority to summon members of the defence force and public service, and to access documents, including classified material,  necessary to complete its work.

Tight deadline and secrecy provisions

President Ramaphosa has directed that the investigation be completed within one calendar month of the panel’s establishment, although the timeline may be extended if necessary.

Due to national security considerations, proceedings will be conducted confidentially. The President will ultimately decide, based on the panel’s recommendations and advice from the Minister, whether any part of the findings will be made public.

The probe comes amid heightened scrutiny of South Africa’s military cooperation and foreign policy positioning, particularly regarding joint exercises involving global powers.

The Presidency says the investigation aims to ensure accountability and reinforce adherence to constitutional authority within the country’s defence structures.

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness says it is closely monitoring meningococcal meningitis cases in the province as part of ongoing disease surveillance, while urging parents to ensure children are fully immunised.

A total of 11 confirmed meningococcal disease cases, including one death, were recorded between 1 January and 22 February 2026. Eight cases were reported in the Cape Town Metro, two in the Cape Winelands District, and one in the Overberg District.

Health officials say the cases are sporadic and do not constitute an outbreak, although most infections have occurred in children under the age of one year.

The department is simultaneously managing measles and diphtheria outbreaks, linked to declining childhood immunisation rates and gaps in population immunity across the province.

What is meningococcal meningitis?

Meningococcal meningitis is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. Although uncommon, the disease is severe and can be fatal. It spreads through respiratory droplets released when infected people speak, cough or sneeze, particularly in crowded environments such as schools, crèches and student residences.

Common symptoms include:

• Sudden fever
• Severe headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light
• Irritability
• A dark red rash on the body

Health authorities urge parents to seek immediate medical care if these symptoms appear.

The disease occurs year-round in South Africa, with higher cases typically recorded between June and October. Infants are the most affected group, followed by young adults aged 15 to 24.

Close contacts of confirmed cases are traced and provided with preventative antibiotic treatment where necessary.

While meningococcal vaccines are registered in South Africa, they are not part of the national immunisation programme and are mainly offered to high-risk individuals through tertiary hospitals or private healthcare providers.

Measles cases rising

The department has also raised concern about increasing measles infections, particularly in the Cape Town Metro, where 203 laboratory-confirmed cases were recorded between late December 2025 and mid-February 2026.

Targeted vaccination campaigns began in Du Noon on 18 February and are continuing in affected areas, including Eastern, Mitchells Plain, Northern and Tygerberg sub-districts.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness affecting the respiratory system. Symptoms include fever, rash, coughing, runny nose and red eyes. Serious complications can include pneumonia, diarrhoea, brain infection and blindness, especially in young or malnourished children.

The measles-rubella vaccine forms part of South Africa’s routine immunisation schedule and is administered at six months and 12 months of age, with catch-up doses available.

Diphtheria warning

Diphtheria, a serious bacterial infection that affects the throat and breathing, is also under surveillance. The illness can cause a thick coating at the back of the throat, making swallowing and breathing difficult.

Vaccination remains the most effective protection. Children should receive diphtheria-containing vaccines at 6, 10 and 14 weeks, again at 18 months, with booster doses at six and 12 years.

Call to parents

The Department of Health and Wellness is urging parents not to assume their children are protected and to ensure routine immunisations are up to date.

Free childhood vaccines are available at all public health facilities, with catch-up doses offered for children who missed scheduled vaccinations. Parents are also encouraged to sign consent forms for school vaccination programmes and attend clinic appointments.

Health officials say improving immunisation coverage is critical to protecting children and preventing further outbreaks in the province.