Discussion | Dina Pule's appointment as Social Development Minister raises eyebrows

President Cyril Ramaphosa's appointment of Dina Pule as Minister of Social Development has sparked widespread public criticism, with many questioning the return of a former Cabinet minister who was removed from office in 2013, after findings by then Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, that she had acted unethically by improperly benefiting her partner through state-sponsored events.

While ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has defended the appointment, saying the ANC believes in redemption and second chances, critics have argued that public office must be held to the highest ethical standards.

The controversy has also renewed scrutiny of the Social Development portfolio itself, a department that has repeatedly been at the centre of controversy, from the SASSA grants crisis under Bathabile Dlamini, to criticism over grant administration under Lindiwe Zulu, and the recent removal of Sisisi Tolashe.

As the department responsible for social grants that support millions of vulnerable South Africans, many are asking whether integrity should be the foremost consideration when appointing its political leadership.

To unpack the ethical, legal and governance implications, we are joined by former Public Protector Professor Thuli Madonsela who is now the Director of the Centre for Social Justice and Law Faculty Trust Research Chair in Social Justice at Stellenbosch University, and Political Analyst, Professor Lesiba Teffo.


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