Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe is facing scrutiny over luxury vehicle gifts that she did not declare.
Image: Jairus Mmutle / GCIS
Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe is facing allegations levelled by ActionSA and the DA regarding luxury vehicle gifts worth R1 million that she claimed were given to the ANC Women's League (ANCWL).
ActionSA has opened a criminal case of corruption against the minister, while simultaneously filing complaints with the Public Protector and Parliament’s Ethics Committee.
ActionSA MP Dereleen James stated that the party’s investigation into a parliamentary question revealed a massive discrepancy in Tolashe’s version.
The party said the minister claimed that the two SUVs were donated to the ANCWL however the league has since denied any knowledge of the vehicles.
"Official records show that the vehicles were registered in the names of the Minister’s children, and one of the vehicles has already been sold, indicating private benefit," said James.
James argued that there were two equally troubling scenarios:
ActionSA further called for President Cyril Ramaphosa to fire Tolashe immediately and end what they described as a "culture of impunity" within the GNU government.
The DA has taken a different tactical route, writing directly to Ramaphosa to demand proof of authorisation. According to the Executive Ethics Code, any gift exceeding R1,000 requires presidential permission.
DA spokesperson Nazley Sharif MP highlighted that recent exposés show the vehicle registrations reflect a clear change of ownership to the Tolashe siblings.
"The DA will not allow any executive office bearer to unduly benefit from their positions," Sharif said. "Section 2.2 (b) of the [Executive Members’ Ethics] Act prohibits Cabinet members from using their position to enrich themselves or improperly benefit any other person."
The DA has also petitioned the Portfolio Committee on Social Development to summon Tolashe to explain the chaos within her department, citing an urgent need for oversight.
The Department of Social Development has said it will issue a statement in due course on the matter.
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