Media Statement: Committees Recommend Names for Appointment to Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals

Press Releases

Parliament, Wednesday, 3 December 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Social Development in conjunction with the Select Committee on Social Services met on Wednesday to consider and agree to the candidates recommended by the Minister of Social Development, Ms Sisisi Tolashe, for appointment to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals.

The Department of Social Development briefed the committees on the qualifications and backgrounds of the recommended candidates to ensure compliance with the Tribunal’s legislative requirements.

According to the Social Assistance Act (No. 13 of 2004), the Minister of Social Development is required to appoint an independent tribunal comprising suitably qualified candidates to address appeals against decisions made by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

The Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals is an independent body established to review and adjudicate appeals from individuals who have been denied a social assistance grant or are unhappy with a decision made by SASSA. Its purpose is to provide an impartial process for appeals, separate from SASSA, ensuring decisions are made fairly and in line with the law.

The Portfolio Committee of Social Development and the Select Committee on Social Services have recommended the following candidates for the appointment to the Independent Tribunal:

Legal Practitioners
1. Ms JT Leso
2. Mr AJ Lessing
3. Mr K Mabuli
4. Ms FM Mashiane
5. Ms P Moonsamy
6. Mr BS Pato
7. Ms NZ Kuzwayo
8. Ms SN Zulu
9. Mr LT Nevondwe
10. Ms HB Kara
11. Mr TA Nkele
12. Ms NM Phale

Medical Practitioners:
1. Dr KT Kgomo
2. Dr ZT Khanyile
3. Dr I Pooe
4. Dr NN Putuka
5. Dr LM Nyilende
6. Dr MD Khumalo
7. Dr BTT Lugongolo
8. Dr ZG Ngozo
9. Dr Q Mzana

Civil Society Member
1. Ms AF Masters

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, MS BRIDGET MASANGO, AND THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL SERVICES, MS DESERY FIENIES. 

For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairpersons, please contact the committees’ Media Officer:
Name: Yoliswa Landu (Ms)
Cell: 081 4974694
E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za