SJD1501
ASSIGNMENT 6 2025
UNIQUE NO. 546965
DUE DATE: 16 MAY 2025
, SJD1501
Assignment 6 2025
Unique Number: 546965
Due Date: 16 May 2025
Social Dimensions of Justice
1. What are the key issues of corruption or system failure identified in the SASSA
social grant system?
Unlawful awarding of tenders: In 2013 and 2014, the courts found that SASSA
unlawfully awarded a R10-billion contract to Cash Paymaster Services (CPS)
without following proper procurement processes.
Fraudulent SRD applications: Two Stellenbosch University students exposed
massive fraud in the R370-per-month Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant
system. They found that applications were made using ID numbers of individuals
who had just turned 18, with unusually high application rates suggesting large-
scale fraud.
Weak IT infrastructure: The SRD system allowed up to 700 ID queries per
minute without security checks, showing an absence of basic cybersecurity
protocols.
Lack of multi-factor authentication: SASSA’s systems lacked even the most
basic protections like encryption and authentication, making them vulnerable to
exploitation.
Inadequate response and communication from SASSA: The whistleblowers
reported an inability to contact SASSA to report the vulnerabilities. Most SASSA
call centre numbers were inactive or went unanswered.
ASSIGNMENT 6 2025
UNIQUE NO. 546965
DUE DATE: 16 MAY 2025
, SJD1501
Assignment 6 2025
Unique Number: 546965
Due Date: 16 May 2025
Social Dimensions of Justice
1. What are the key issues of corruption or system failure identified in the SASSA
social grant system?
Unlawful awarding of tenders: In 2013 and 2014, the courts found that SASSA
unlawfully awarded a R10-billion contract to Cash Paymaster Services (CPS)
without following proper procurement processes.
Fraudulent SRD applications: Two Stellenbosch University students exposed
massive fraud in the R370-per-month Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant
system. They found that applications were made using ID numbers of individuals
who had just turned 18, with unusually high application rates suggesting large-
scale fraud.
Weak IT infrastructure: The SRD system allowed up to 700 ID queries per
minute without security checks, showing an absence of basic cybersecurity
protocols.
Lack of multi-factor authentication: SASSA’s systems lacked even the most
basic protections like encryption and authentication, making them vulnerable to
exploitation.
Inadequate response and communication from SASSA: The whistleblowers
reported an inability to contact SASSA to report the vulnerabilities. Most SASSA
call centre numbers were inactive or went unanswered.
