R670,591 spent on accommodation for one government employee for nine months

The Department of Social Development has spent R670,591 on accommodation for one official from September 2025 to May 2026.

This was revealed by the Acting Minister of Social Development, Sindisiwe Chikunga, in response to a Parliamentary question.

Member of the National Assembly, Nhlanhla Gcwabaza, asked Chikunga about the recruitment and employment of the current Chief Director of Communications.

He also asked whether the official who previously held the position had been relocated and what costs were incurred for travel allowances and accommodation.

Chikunga explained that the recruitment and appointment of the current Chief Director: Communications followed all the appropriate processes.

This includes the Regulatory Frameworks governing the appointment of the Senior Management Service (SMS) members in the public services.

Before this appointment, two officials had acted in the post. One of the two officials is permanently employed in the Department.

The official who most recently held the post in question was seconded from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) KZN Provincial Office to fill a vacant post.

“The official was temporarily relocated to the National Department of Social Development,” she said.

During this relocation, this official was supported by the department through travel allowances and accommodation.

“The total cost incurred for the accommodation is R 670,590.50 from September 2025 to May 2026,” the Minister said.

“The department submitted all the claims for subsistence and travel allowances to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) KZN Provincial Office.”