South African agency with R292.8 billion budget is operating at 44% capacity

• The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is experiencing staffing shortages, currently operating at just 44% of its required frontline capacity.
• SASSA had a total staff complement of 7,748 employees at the time of the Minister's reply, with 6,846 permanent staff and 902 contracted staff.
• The agency planned to fill 261 funded vacant posts before 1 November 2026, with 93 of these being across its Head and regional offices, and 168 across its District and Local offices.