But there is still hope for a precedent that will keep companies honest

For years Net1 had been criticised about its financial dealings with grant recipients, such as selling them life insurance.

Although the Teflon minister remains unscathed, misleading Parliament may come back to bite her.

Standing inside the Constitutional Court on Wednesday, Belamant spoke candidly to the Mail & Guardian during a 15-minute break in proceedings.

An affidavit filed by the social grants distributor details the correspondence between the company, Sassa and the social development minister.

Serge Belamant says neither he nor his company has ever been found guilty of any serious misdeed.