Attempts by MPs to quiz Minister Sisisi Tolashe over maladministration claims shut down

The chairperson of Parliament’s Social Development Committee, Bridget Masango, on Wednesday shut down attempts by members of Parliament (MPs) to quiz Minister Sisisi Tolashe regarding matters of maladministration in her department.

Tolashe has been making headlines over irregular appointments in the department and redirected vehicle donations intended for the ANC Women’s League, of which she is the president.

Ahead of Wednesday's meeting, the department finally broke its silence on the allegations swirling around Tolashe, saying media reports have not been based on verified facts and were being sourced from those with an axe to grind.

Presenting an overview of the annual performance plan for her department and the Social Security Agency (SASSA),Tolashe said that she was proud of the progress that has been made to improve services to the country’s most vulnerable.

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However, the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s Nazley Sharif attempted to question Tolashe about this statement after Masango ruled her out of order at the start of the meeting, when she wanted to make an addition to the agenda.

"Are you not embarrassed that you continue to bring this department into disrepute? The number of allegations that are filed against you."

Sharif was backed by the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party's Nhlanhla Gcwabaza, who said he needed to know how to respond to constituents who were questioning the Tolashe allegations.

But Masango cautioned them to stick to matters related to the portfolio and appealed for patience.

"We are not going to take what is in the media and go with it. There’s a huge principle in the law to say you can’t go with one side of a story. "

The ANC’s Keamotseng Ramaila also closed ranks around Tolashe, saying the reports were unrelated to committee oversight.

Sharif wants the committee to consider a parliamentary inquiry into the allegations.

Masango said that Tolashe will be requested to return to the committee next week to present her side on matters that relate to the possible abuse of public funds and questionable staff appointments.