Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance (DA) says enough is enough. Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Tolashe, must return from her overseas trip and appear before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Social Development to explain how she will address the ongoing crises in her department.
The recent revelation of a letter from the minister to Director-General Peter Netshipale is the last straw, exposing serious administrative failures, including alleged misconduct by the Director-General and irregularities in his appointment, which demand immediate accountability.
SASSA, responsible for delivering social grants to millions of vulnerable South Africans under the Department’s R294 billion budget, continues to falter. It is deeply concerning that a department entrusted with such resources is in such disarray, leaving those most dependent on its services to suffer.
The DA is also alarmed by reports that Minister Tolashe has maintained her special adviser, Ngwako Kgatla, despite allegations of misconduct and the apparent shielding of Kgatla from disciplinary action.
Sources indicate that his influence over departmental decisions is concerning, and that the relationship may extend beyond the professional sphere.
While the minister has dismissed these reports as private matters, the DA maintains that any preferential treatment of staff undermines departmental integrity and public trust.
The DA will write to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, demanding that Minister Tolashe be summoned to the next meeting to account for these failures, provide a concrete plan to restore integrity and functionality to the department; and explain why this letter contradicts the explanation given to the committee last week on the DG’s irregular appointment.
As Members of Parliament we have a responsibility to scrutinise executive action and hold the executive to account. There cannot be another situation where stakeholders ask: “Where was Parliament?”
South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens cannot continue to bear the brunt of poor leadership. Minister Tolashe must get her house in order, and the DA will ensure she is held accountable.
Regards
Alexandra Abrahams MP
DA Spokesperson on Social Development