In a rapidly escalating political storm, ActionSA has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to immediately dismiss Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe over allegations that she misled Parliament and concealed the true origins of two luxury vehicles linked to foreign officials.
The demand, issued on 2 April 2026 by ActionSA Member of Parliament Dereleen James, follows a damning investigation by Daily Maverick. The report revealed that two BAIC Beijing X55 SUVs—valued between R400,000 and R500,000 each—were registered in April 2024 under the names of Tolashe’s adult children. One of the vehicles was later sold online in November 2025, further intensifying scrutiny.
Tolashe had earlier told Parliament in February 2026 that the vehicles were donations to the ANC Women’s League, which she leads, and therefore did not require disclosure under parliamentary rules. However, this claim has been strongly disputed by senior figures within both the African National Congress and its women’s league, including treasurer Gwen Ramokgopa and ANCWL treasurer Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, who denied any knowledge of such a donation.
Adding to the controversy, no record of the alleged gift exists in disclosures to the Independent Electoral Commission, raising serious concerns about compliance with political funding laws. The vehicles were reportedly facilitated through the Chinese embassy in Pretoria under former ambassador Chen Xiaodong, and released from a local dealership in December 2024.
ActionSA has described the situation as a “blatant attempt to mislead Parliament,” arguing that the apparent transfer of assets to Tolashe’s children constitutes a serious breach of the Executive Ethics Code. James warned that such conduct undermines constitutional oversight and could carry criminal consequences.
“The integrity of Parliament cannot be compromised by deceptive conduct from those entrusted with public office,” James stated, urging Ramaphosa to act decisively.
At the time of publication, neither the Presidency nor Tolashe had issued a formal response. The unfolding saga has reignited broader concerns about foreign influence in South African politics, transparency in public office, and the enforcement of disclosure regulations.
As pressure mounts, all eyes are now on Ramaphosa’s next move in what could become a defining test of his administration’s commitment to accountability and ethical governance.
