Sis' Batha's Downfall

Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini once claimed to be “for the people”. What went wrong?

- Gabisile Ngcobo, Khatija Nxedlana And Sabelo Ndlangisa

SHE used to be a woman of the people and a champion of gender equality. Courageous and outspoken, Sis’ Batha, as she’s affectionately known, was someone who could always be counted on to do the right thing. But it seems power has changed her. At least that’s what Bathabile Dlamini’s close associates are now saying as the controversy around the Minister of Social Development grows and calls intensify for her to be axed.

As 17 million South Africans who depend on social grants find their livelihoods hanging in the balance, many of her colleagues are shaking their heads in astonishment.

How could it come to this? The Dlamini they once knew would never have allowed it to happen.

They can’t believe that, as the country stands poised on the brink of a social crisis largely believed to be of her making, the woman they all once respected is refusing to face the music and is instead responding to opponents’ questions with taunts and insults.

With the five-year contract awarded to Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) to distribute social grants to the tune of R10 billion expiring at the end of the month, South Africans remain in the dark about how this money will be paid out come 1 April. And Dlamini seems reluctant to enlighten them.

The contract has for long been controversial (see box below). Even though the Constitutional Court found it unlawful and ordered the South Africa Social Security Agency (Sassa) – the Government agency in charge of grant payments and overseen by Dlamini – to award the tender to a new payment provider, the Minister has dragged her heels, making it clear she wants CPS to continue handling the payments.