Sisisi Tolashe

Sisisi Tolashe, former Minister of Social Development, was dismissed by President Cyril Ramaphosa on May 14, 2026, following a series of corruption and misconduct allegations. Key controversies include: Luxury vehicle scandal: Tolashe faced criminal charges from ActionSA and the DA for failing to declare two BAIC Beijing X55 SUVs, worth approximately R1 million, donated by Chinese officials. While she claimed the cars were for the ANC Women’s League, they were registered in her children’s names. She later returned the vehicles to the ANC. Illegal contract: A forensic report found Tolashe acted improperly in the five-year appointment of Director-General Fhumulani Netshipale, despite a cabinet mandate for a one-year term. She further faced criticism for initiating unauthorized disciplinary proceedings against him. Nepotism and abuse of office: Allegations emerged that a state-funded household employee was coerced into sharing her salary with Tolashe’s daughter, and that Tolashe appointed an unqualified person to a R1.4 million-a-year position. Her special adviser, Ngwako Kgatla, was suspended over falsified CV allegations. Public conduct: Tolashe was accused of misleading Parliament regarding these matters and was found to be uncooperative during departmental investigations into her actions.