Minister Tolashe Faces Parliamentary Scrutiny Following Serious Allegations of Misconduct and Misused Public Funds

Parliamentary committee blocks immediate questioning of Minister Sisisi Tolashe over alleged misuse of funds, scheduling a formal response for next week.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 29, 2026, 6:41 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Eyewitness News

Parliamentary Protection Shields Minister During Performance Review

The Chairperson of the Social Development Portfolio Committee, Bridget Masango, intervened on Wednesday to prevent lawmakers from interrogating Minister Sisisi Tolashe regarding recent claims of maladministration. The tension erupted during a scheduled session intended for the presentation of the annual performance plan for the Department of Social Development and the South African Social Security Agency. While opposition members sought to pivot the discussion toward personal conduct and departmental ethics, the chair maintained that the session must remain strictly focused on the official performance agenda.

The Shadow of Irregular Appointments and Redirected Assets

Minister Tolashe, who also serves as the president of the ANC Women’s League, is currently at the center of a controversy involving questionable hiring practices and the redirection of donated vehicles. The allegations suggest that transport assets intended for specific departmental or organizational use were improperly handled under her leadership. Prior to the committee meeting, the Department of Social Development issued a statement defending Tolashe, asserting that media reports regarding these activities lack verified facts and are driven by individuals with personal vendettas against the Minister.

Opposition Lawmakers Demand Immediate Accountability for Reputation Damage

Democratic Alliance representative Nazley Sharif challenged the Minister directly, questioning whether the ongoing allegations were bringing the department into disrepute. Sharif attempted to amend the meeting agenda to include an inquiry into the Minister's conduct, a move that was supported by Nhlanhla Gcwabaza of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. Gcwabaza noted that constituents are increasingly demanding answers regarding the integrity of the department's leadership, suggesting that the committee has a duty to address public concerns alongside its regular oversight duties.