Leadership Team

Meet the executives leading SASSA's mission to serve South Africa

Executive Management

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Thabo Matsoso

Chief Executive Officer

Thabo Matsoso brings over 25 years of experience in public administration and social development. He has been instrumental in driving SASSA's digital transformation agenda and improving service delivery across all nine provinces.

Qualifications: Master's in Public Administration (Harvard Kennedy School), Bachelor's in Social Work (University of Cape Town)

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Nombuso Mkhize

Chief Financial Officer

Nombuso oversees SASSA's financial operations, managing an annual budget exceeding R200 billion. Her expertise in financial management and audit compliance has strengthened SASSA's fiscal responsibility.

Qualifications: CA(SA), MBA (GIBS), BCom Accounting (University of KwaZulu-Natal)

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Johan Steyn

Chief Operations Officer

Johan leads operational excellence initiatives across all SASSA offices nationwide. His focus on process optimization has reduced application processing times by 40% since 2025.

Qualifications: Master's in Business Administration, Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering (Stellenbosch University)

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Lerato Nkosi

Chief Information Officer

Lerato spearheads SASSA's technology strategy and digital innovation. Under her leadership, SASSA has implemented cutting-edge online platforms and mobile applications serving millions of South Africans.

Qualifications: PhD in Computer Science (MIT), Master's in Information Systems (University of Pretoria)

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Phumla Mabaso

Executive Director: Grant Administration

Phumla oversees all grant administration processes, ensuring accurate and timely payments to over 18 million beneficiaries monthly. Her team manages applications, verifications, and disbursements across all grant types.

Qualifications: Master's in Public Policy, Bachelor's in Social Development (University of the Witwatersrand)

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Sipho Mthembu

Executive Director: Fraud Prevention & Security

Sipho leads SASSA's efforts to combat fraud and ensure system integrity. His team has implemented advanced analytics and verification systems that have reduced fraudulent claims by 65% since 2026.

Qualifications: Master's in Criminology, Bachelor's in Law (University of South Africa)

Regional Directors

Eastern Cape

Zanele Gqeba

Regional Director

Free State

Thabo Mokoena

Regional Director

Gauteng

Ayanda Dlamini

Regional Director

KwaZulu-Natal

Nkosazana Zulu

Regional Director

Limpopo

Tshepo Maluleke

Regional Director

Mpumalanga

Busisiwe Nkosi

Regional Director

Northern Cape

Johannes Botha

Regional Director

North West

Kgotso Molefe

Regional Director

Western Cape

Mbali Petersen

Regional Director