The Portfolio Committee on Social Development has raised concern over allegations that a state-paid worker was deployed to a private residence and forced to hand over part of her salary, with questions raised over compliance and ethical governance.
Image: Jairus Mmutle/GCIS
Serious allegations have been raised against Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe, with claims that public resources may have been diverted for private benefit.
It is alleged that a worker appointed and paid through the Department of Social Development was allegedly deployed to perform duties at a private residence, while also being forced to hand over a significant portion of her salary to a member of the Minister’s family.
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Bridget Masango, said if true, this is not just a technical breach of rules but is a violation of public trust.
She said public money is not personal money, adding that it is collected from South Africans to serve the people, especially the most vulnerable.
''Any indication that these resources may have been diverted for private benefit strikes at the heart of ethical governance.''
Masango said the committee views the allegations in a very serious light, adding that a worker in the public service should be protected by law and not placed in a position where they feel compelled to give up part of their earnings.
''Equally, public office bearers are expected to always act within the law and to uphold the highest standards of integrity.''
She said the reported use of a state-paid employee for private household work, particularly at a residence that is not officially designated, raises critical questions about compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (PMFA) and the broader regulatory framework governing the executive.
Masango further said an allegation that the employee was required to pay back a portion of her salary is equally troubling, adding that such an arrangement, if proven, would have no lawful basis and may constitute financial misconduct.
She said the committee will formally request a full briefing from the department.
''The Minister will also be invited to appear before the committee to respond to these allegations,'' she said.
The latest claims come as Tolashe faces separate allegations raised by ActionSA and the Democratic Alliance over luxury vehicles worth about R1 million, which she said were intended for the African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) but were registered in her children’s names.
The vehicles were reportedly donated by Chinese representatives in late 2023 for the ANCWL.
IOL previously reported that Tolashe told the ANC’s Integrity Commission she registered them in her children’s names to protect party assets from possible seizure during a period of financial difficulty.
Tolashe is accused of accepting two BAIC Beijing X55 SUVs, valued at between R400,000 and R500,000 each, and allegedly transferring them to her children.
ActionSA has opened a criminal case of corruption against the minister and filed complaints with the Public Protector and Parliament’s Ethics Committee.
The party said its investigation into a parliamentary reply revealed discrepancies, alleging that while the minister claimed the vehicles were donated to the ANCWL, the organisation denied knowledge of them.
ActionSA MP Dereleen James said official records show the vehicles were registered in the names of the minister’s children, with one already sold, which the party said indicates private benefit.
The DA has also written to President Cyril Ramaphosa requesting proof that the vehicles were properly authorised, citing the Executive Ethics Code, which requires approval for gifts exceeding R1,000.
The party has further called for the minister to appear before the Portfolio Committee, citing concerns over governance and accountability within the department.
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