Allegations against Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe are mounting, raising questions about whether the woman in charge of SASSA has lost public trust.
Tolashe is set to appear before a parliamentary committee to answer for her actions. The Democratic Alliance has publicly questioned her integrity. As minister, she oversees all social welfare and SASSA grants, which account for the country’s second highest fiscal expense after debt servicing.
Allegations that Tolashe has diverted public funds for private benefit are serious. Portfolio Committee on Social Development chairperson Bridget Masango said if the allegations are found to be true, the minister will face heavy censure.
Masango said the committee views any allegations in a serious light. She added that if true, this is not just a technical breach of the rules but a violation of public trust. Office bearers like the social development minister are expected to act within the law and uphold the highest standards of integrity.
Tolashe will be invited to appear before the committee to respond to the allegations. She is responsible for a SASSA social grant budget of R292 billion annually, while the broader social development budget is nearly R430 billion of taxpayer money for 2026-27.
Both ActionSA and the DA allege Tolashe benefited from about R1 million worth of two BAIC SUVs donated by Chinese representatives for the African National Congress Women’s League. The vehicles were reportedly registered in Tolashe’s children’s names, with one already sold for profit.
Tolashe told the ANC’s Integrity Commission she did not declare the cars to protect them from possible seizure due to the party’s financial difficulties. ActionSA has opened a criminal case of corruption against the minister and filed complaints with the Public Protector and Parliament’s Ethics Committee.
The DA has also written to President Cyril Ramaphosa, requesting proof that the vehicles were properly authorised. Under the Executive Ethics Code, all gifts exceeding R1,000 require prior approval. The portfolio committee remains concerned about governance and accountability within one of the country’s most important departments.