Discussion | Governance expert weighs in on Minister Sisisi Tolashe saga

The Public Service Commission has found that the appointment of Lesedi Mabiletja as a private secretary in the office of Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe was irregular, as she did not possess the required qualifications and experience. Mabiletja was later appointed as Acting Chief of Staff in the Minister's office, with a salary package of more than one million rand.

Minister Tolashe also recently appeared before Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Social Development to address a range of issues involving her department, including forensic investigations into departmental appointments. She has denied misleading Parliament regarding vehicles donated by the Chinese Embassy to the ANC Women's League. It is alleged that the vehicles were registered in her children's names.

Last year, the department also came under scrutiny after Director-General Peter Netshipale allegedly signed a five-year contract, despite Cabinet having approved only a one-year tenure. She requested that committee await the outcome of the investigation by Parliament's Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests.

We speak with Governance Expert, Xolisile Ngumbela.

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