Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has firmly denied allegations that she authorised the irregular appointment of her personal assistant, Lesedi Mabiletja, to the position of chief of staff — a role reportedly paying R1.4 million annually.
Speaking before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development on Thursday, Tolashe dismissed the accusations as false, defamatory, and politically motivated.
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“These reports contain false and to some extent unlawful allegations which have the sole intention of causing damage to my reputation and dignity,” she said.
She argued that the allegations aimed to distract from her ongoing efforts to restore governance and accountability within the Department of Social Development (DSD).
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“By extension, they have also been deliberately made to disparage and divert public attention from our concerted efforts to stabilise the DSD portfolio and root out bad apples in the system,” she added.
Former Chief of Staff Implicated in Appointment Scandal
The controversy began after reports surfaced that Mabiletja, aged 22 and allegedly unqualified for the senior position, had been appointed irregularly in September 2024. She is also said to be the niece of Ngwako Kgatla, Tolashe’s special adviser and alleged romantic partner.
Tolashe told MPs that the appointment process had been managed by her then-chief of staff, Zanele Simmons, along with the department’s human resources team.
“At the time, I had no reason to suspect that the then Chief of Staff would betray my trust and undermine the recruitment and selection of Ministry support staff,” said Tolashe.
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A preliminary investigation later found that Mabiletja’s appointment was based on misrepresentations in her CV, and that serious procedural irregularities had occurred. Simmons allegedly submitted a falsified CV and acted without proper authority.
“When this matter was brought to my attention, I directed the Accounting Officer to ensure that the allegations are attended to with the necessary urgency and thoroughness,” Tolashe stated.
She confirmed that both Simmons and Mabiletja were suspended pending investigation. Simmons has since been dismissed and is challenging her termination legally. Tolashe clarified that the suspensions were protective, not punitive, to ensure a fair process.
Minister Sisisi Tolashe Addresses Broader Governance Concerns
Tolashe also clarified confusion surrounding the appointment of Director-General Peter Fhumulani Netshipale, whose contract was incorrectly recorded as five years instead of the Cabinet-approved one year. She attributed the discrepancy to a clerical error, not an attempt to override Cabinet authority.
“Once again and for the record, I did not subvert the Cabinet’s decision contrary to misleading and mischievous media reports,” she told the committee.
The minister further addressed allegations involving her adviser, Ngwako Kgatla, who was accused of failing to declare additional income. She explained that advisers are appointed under a special dispensation and are not governed by public service disciplinary rules. The matter was referred to his former employer, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.
Tolashe confirmed the precautionary suspension of Chief Director Lumka Oliphant following Auditor-General findings of irregular expenditure linked to the DSDTV platform and the National Integrated Social Protection Information System.
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She said the move was necessary to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
The minister also announced that she had removed Ruth Bengu as Chairperson of the National Development Agency (NDA) for governance lapses, particularly in the flawed recruitment of a chief financial officer.
Tolashe emphasised her zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, saying: “All interventions have been implemented within the framework of the law to protect the integrity of the public service.”
The matters have been referred to the Public Service Commission for further investigation, and the department will refrain from additional public comments until the process concludes.
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