Minister Tolashe summoned to Parliament amid new state-funded 'nanny' allegations

Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe is to be called before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee to explain new allegations against her. This time involving the alleged abuse of state funds to employ a nanny to look after her grandchildren.

In an ongoing investigation into Tolashe’s conduct, the Daily Maverick revealed on Tuesday that Tolashe may have hired a public servant to work in her official residence under false pretences.

READ: DA to open corruption case against Tolashe over redirected vehicle donation

It is but one of a litany of questionable personal appointments that have dogged Tolashe since she was appointed as minister.

With Minister Sisisi Tolashe already under investigation for having ostensibly redirected a donation of vehicles meant for the African National Congress Women’s League to her children, Tolashe now stands accused of duping a state employee to work in her private household in East London.

According to the Daily Maverick report, the woman who believed she was being appointed as a food aide to work in Tolashe’s official residence was also made to pay up to half of her monthly state salary to Tolashe’s daughter, to cover expenses in the home where she was performing nanny duties.

Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee, Bridget Masango, said the committee views the abuse of public money very seriously.

It will now formally request a briefing from the department and the minister herself.

The Democratic Alliance has already requested the committee to consider a Parliamentary inquiry into maladministration in the department.

The party's Nazley Sharif said she's asked the Public Service Commission to investigate the latest allegations against Tolashe.

"These allegations add to a growing list of scandals, while the Department of Social Development continues to fail the most vulnerable. It is becoming untenable for her to remain in office, and President Cyril Ramaphosa must act without delay."

Meanwhile, the Sunday Times reported that Tolashe has since returned the donated vehicles, which she did not declare to Parliament, to Luthuli House.