Black Sash applauds ConCourt ruling ordering Dlamini to pay costs for Sassa saga

The rights group hopes that Parliament will also call into question Dlamini's fitness to hold office following the judgement.

Human rights group the Black Sash says it welcomes the Constitutional Court's decision to hold Bathabile Dlamini accountable for the Sassa saga.

The ConCourt has ruled that the former social development minister must personally pay 20% of the costs from last year’s Sassa debacle, out of her own pocket.

The court also ordered the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to determine whether Dlamini should be prosecuted for perjury for lying under oath about her role in the crisis.

Read more: Bathabile Dlamini ordered to pay up for Sassa debacle

The costs in question relate to the court challenge brought by the Black Sash and Freedom Under Law.

Black Sash's Hoodah Abrahams-Fayker says the judgement is of critical importance because it holds a political head directly accountable.

The rights group hopes that Parliament will also call into question Dlamini's fitness to hold office following the ruling.

Dlamini is currently the Minister of Women in the Presidency.

We welcome the judgment. I think it was very appropriate that the court actually considered how it impacts on the people.

Hoodah Abrahams-Fayker, attorney and Black Sash National Advocacy Manager

It's very important because it's about the accountability of a political head. That hasn't been decided by the Constitutional Court before.

Hoodah Abrahams-Fayker, attorney and Black Sash National Advocacy Manager

She failed in her duties to ensure that Sassa administered grants properly.

Hoodah Abrahams-Fayker, attorney and Black Sash National Advocacy Manager

Listen to the Black Sash respond to the ruling on The Pippa Hudson Show:

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