Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe faced a heated Parliamentary session before the Social Development Portfolio Committee, where she was questioned over controversial appointments, undeclared gifts, and related allegations.
During the tense appearance, Tolashe repeatedly refused to comment on certain matters, citing ongoing ethics investigations.
Governance expert Dr. Harlan Cloete said the minister’s situation is particularly concerning given the timing. “We are right in the middle of children’s month, and one would expect that the minister’s time would be allocated to advancing the interest of children because the children are the most vulnerable in our society,” Cloete said.
He noted that the public has a right to know the facts. On May 14, some form of clarity and a report is expected. “At this point it is speculation. We’re not quite sure of the facts,” Cloete said, adding that until then, the minister should be given the benefit of the doubt. However, he added, “What worries me is what preoccupies the minister is having to defend these damning allegations.”
Cloete stressed the high standards expected of Tolashe, noting that she is not only the political head of the Social Development Department but also the leader of the ANC Women’s League. “She holds a high office,” he said. “The minimum that we require is openness and transparency and clarity. There should be no ambiguity here.”
On the controversy over car donations that have been dismissed as a party matter, Cloete raised concerns about political interference and the blurred line between state and party. “If there’s a donation and the cars in her daughter’s name, until she comes clean, there will be this cloud hanging over her,” he said.
Cloete praised the Parliamentary committee’s role, stating that the fact the minister appeared before it shows that “nobody is above the law.” He added, “Parliamentary oversight is a very important pillar of our democracy. Governance is not an abstract term — it’s behavior. The minimum we want is openness, accountability, and fairness.”
