Criminal investigation needed following death at SASSA “celebrations event” 

7 July 2016

The news just in that an elderly lady, aged 86, has died following a stampede at SASSA’s 10th anniversary ‘celebrations’ in Nelson Mandela Bay has left the DA heartbroken. Several other attendees have been left badly injured. Their family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. 

This event, organised by the Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini, was from the very beginning concerning. Given the Department’s election antics in the past, as revealed by the Public Protector, this increasingly looked like a timeous attempt at election campaigning in the hotly contested Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. 

Nevertheless, the poor organisation of this ‘event’ and the handing out of food parcels to the most vulnerable in such a callous fashion needs to be condemned. 

Indeed, there must be accountability for this conduct. To this end, a full, independent investigation must be launched by the South African Police Service, the Department of Social Development and the Portfolio Committee on Social Development. The DA will not rest until there is action taken so that this does not repeat itself again. 

The families and loved ones of the old lady killed, and those injured, deserve nothing less. 

Issued by Bridget Masango, DA Shadow Minister of Social Development, 7 July 2016