EDITORIAL: Bathabile Dlamini playing politics as grants chaos looms
When it comes to disdain for the electorate, social development minister Bathabile Dlamini wins hands down — even in a field with extremely stiff competition. If the ANC leadership had any notional commitment to accountability, not only would Dlamini have long been booted out, but her vigorous endorsement of Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma for the ANC presidency would almost certainly have sunk that candidate’s chances. Ostensibly, Dlamini heads one of the most important portfolios in government, mandated to ensure that 17m of SA’s most vulnerable are paid R10bn in welfare grants every month. Yet, in recent weeks her actions have made it clear that she sees her day job not in terms of leading this vital department, but as a kingmaker in ANC Women’s League politics. There are now just seven short weeks to go before the existing grant distribution contract with Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) expires. What happens after April 1, and how the grant recipients will get their money, no-one knows — b...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.