Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Bridget Masango, addressed the media on Monday as part of the 7th Parliament’s Committee Cluster Media Engagement programme.
Image: Phando Jikelo/Parliament RSA/Supplied
The Portfolio Committee on Social Development will hear two presentations, one from the Public Service Commission (PSC) and another from a private investigator on appointments made under axed Social Development Minister, Sisisi Tolashe.
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Bridget Masango, briefed the media on Monday as part of the 7th Parliament’s Committee Cluster Media Engagement programme.
The briefing follows President Cyril Ramaphosa's firing of Tolashe, who was replaced by acting Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga.
Tolashe was sacked amid mounting pressure over allegations of irregular appointments and misconduct in her office.
Previously, the portfolio committee had heard from the PSC that Tolashe’s former private secretary and acting chief of staff, Leside Mabiletja, violated multiple values and principles of the public administration.
PSC chairperson Somadoda Fikeni said the commission had conducted its own investigation into Mabiletja’s appointment following media reports.
“We often, as the PSC, look at the constitution, values and principles, and what public administration ought to do. In this case, I am afraid to say the investigation revealed multiple violations,” Fikeni said.
Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe appeared before Parliament to answer on irregular appointments in her department and donation of vehicles.
Image: Phando Jikelo / RSA Parliament
On Monday, Masango said that just because Tolashe had been axed, it does not mean that the investigations into the misconduct allegations have stopped.
“To answer that question, the investigations have to reach their end properly. Tomorrow, we are meeting with the department where we are going through the two investigations.
"We are receiving a briefing by the department on the two investigations, the one being... from the Public Service Commission, and the other one from a private investigator who did the forensic investigation on their departmental appointments; that is, the former DG (director-general) and so on,” Masango said.
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Bridget Masango, addressed the media on Monday as part of the 7th Parliament’s Committee Cluster Media Engagement programme.
Image: Phando Jikelo/Parliament RSA/Supplied
“...Obviously we have to do oversight and arrive at a place where if there were taxpayers' money, that disappeared as a result of whatever could have happened - (we must ensure) those processes that need to be followed to recoup those monies are pursued, but that can only happen as a result of a investigation that gets presented to us, and then we can take whatever steps that need to be taken internally in Parliament to arrive to that conclusion.
“But by no means are the investigations also gone with the minister,” Masango said.
Asked if the cabinet representative had mishandled the portfolio, Masango said she was not part of the department or cabinet, but that there did appear to be miscommunication.
“If I can just give you an example, there was an issue that I mentioned last week, the issue of the relocation of the Office of the Rights of the Child, from social development to the presidency.
“And because I'm outside of all these places, all I can do is ask questions for a written reply.
“And the answer (back) is that the two ministers are discussing this matter. This is a matter that the honourable president of this country pronounced on during the State of the Nation in February.
“So maybe the answer is right there. I cannot say for certain, but there does seem to be a disconnection somewhere, because South Africa has a very good legislation framework, a very good regulator literary framework. Those that are outdated are being updated. There is your answer, right?”
The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Social Services, Desery Fienies, also added that in terms of their leadership changes in the social development department, they have acknowledged the decision by the president to remove Tolashe.
“The committee further welcomes Sindisiwe Chikunga as acting minister of social development, and looks forward to working closely with her to ensure that the department's mandate is fully realised for its beneficiaries.
“The leadership transition is important in ensuring stability within the department and maintaining continuity in the delivery of essentials, social assistance, and welfare services.
“For ordinary South Africans, particularly groups in vulnerable situations, this means continued excess, social grants, and support services without disruption, as well as a renewed focus on improving service delivery.”
theolin.tembo@inl.co.za