The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Bridget Masango, has expressed deep concern over serious allegations reported by Daily Maverick regarding the conduct of Minister Sisisi Tolashe.
According to the report, a worker appointed and paid through the Department of Social Development was allegedly deployed to perform duties at a private residence. It is further alleged that the worker was compelled to hand over a significant portion of her salary to a member of the Minister’s family.
Documents cited in the investigation suggest that a former household employee of Tolashe was required to pay half of her government-funded monthly salary to the Minister’s daughter.
Tolashe has previously faced controversy, including allegations linked to a luxury vehicle scandal involving two BAIC Beijing X55 SUVs valued at approximately R1 million.
The ActionSA and the Democratic Alliance have since laid criminal charges against the Minister for allegedly failing to declare the vehicles, which were reportedly received from Chinese officials.
While Tolashe reportedly claimed the vehicles were donated to the ANC Women’s League, registration records allegedly show they were registered in the names of her adult children, with one already sold, raising concerns of private benefit.
In a report published on April 28, 2026, Daily Maverick further alleged that public funds were used to pay for a live-in nanny for the Minister’s grandchildren at her private residence.
Separately, the Department of Social Development has faced criticism for expenditure linked to a trip to New York, where seven officials reportedly incurred costs amounting to R3 million, including a hotel bill of R389,000 for a single official, during a period of fiscal pressure.
Masango stated that if proven true, the allegations represent not merely a breach of administrative rules but a serious violation of public trust.
“Public money is not personal money. 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,” she said.
She further emphasised that public servants must be protected by law and not placed in positions where they feel compelled to surrender part of their earnings.
Masango added that the reported use of a state-paid employee for private household work raises critical concerns regarding compliance with the Public Finance Management Act and broader governance regulations.
“The allegation that the employee was required to pay back a portion of her salary is equally troubling. Such an arrangement, if proven, would have no lawful basis and may constitute financial misconduct,” she said.
As part of its oversight role, the committee will formally request a full briefing from the department. The Minister is also expected to be invited to appear before the committee to respond to the allegations.