MPs want Social Development Minister answerable for recent decisions

Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe can expect to be called before Parliament’s portfolio committee to explain recent personal and professional decisions that some political parties believe have brought her office into disrepute.

While ActionSA said she’s misled Parliament over the donation of two vehicles ostensibly meant for the African National Congress (ANC) Women’s League that were instead given to her children.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said she must also explain why she’s usurping the president’s role when it comes to managing the director-general role in her department.

This latest storm swirling around Tolashe is not the first time she’s been accused of misleading Parliament.

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Last year, the portfolio committee demanded she explain irregular appointments in her personal office and the discrepancies in the employment contract of former director-general Peter Netshipale, against whom Tolashe initiated disciplinary steps.

While Netshipale’s term ended last month, the DA’s Nazley Sharif has, nevertheless, complained to the Public Protector about Tolashe’s handling of the process without the president’s permission.

Meanwhile, ActionSA member of Parliament (MP) Dereleen James said she’s also submitting complaints to the president and the Public Protector over perceived violations of the Executive Members’ Ethics Code.

“We see the pattern where you have ministers coming to Parliament and blatantly lying. The entire Department of Social Development is aware of what’s happening. Those fraudulent CVs, those irregular appointments…but people fear to speak out.”

Tolashe’s office is yet to respond to a request for comment.