Parly moves swiftly to probe Tolashe’s hand in improper appointment of DG

Parliament's Ethics Committee has moved swiftly to begin investigating a misconduct complaint against Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe.

Minister Tolashe on Wednesday informed the National Assembly that she has already been contacted by the committee after the Democratic Alliance's (DA) Alexandra Abrahams last Friday lodged a complaint of allegedly misleading Parliament about the appointment of her department's Director-General.

Tolashe told the House she would cooperate fully with any parliamentary probe and is determined to uphold good governance practices in her department.

The DA believes Minister Tolashe has provided Parliament with conflicting versions in writing and in a recent portfolio committee meeting about the duration of Director-General Peter Netshipale’s work contract.

Two weeks ago, the minister stated it had been a clerical error to serve him with a five-year contract when the Cabinet had only approved ne year.

Netshipale has since been asked to provide reasons why he should not be charged with gross dishonesty for signing the contract, which has been corrected.

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Tolashe said she's ready to explain the information trail to Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests.

“I must hasten to say, I will give the committee my full cooperation, as I have nothing to hide,” Tolashe said.

Abrahams has questioned whether only officials are being held accountable, and whether Tolashe will take responsibility following irregular appointments in her personal office.

Tolashe addressed the matter: “There are difficulties, and that’s why I’ve been bold enough to follow the processes and pronounce myself where people have been found in the wrong.”

Tolashe concluded by saying she is not afraid to take the necessary steps to root out corruption in her department.