A Defence of Minister Tolashe: A Malicious Attack Disguised as Journalism

06 Oct 2025

The recent article by the Daily Maverick concerning Minister Sisisi Tolashe is not an exercise in accountability journalism; it is a targeted, salacious, and deeply unethical character assassination that oversteps every bound of dignity and decency. It is a transparent attempt by a publication, which consistently kowtows to a moneyed elite hostile to the ANC, to undermine a Black woman leader who is effectively doing her job and garnering support for the ruling party.

1. An Egregious Invasion of Privacy

The foundation of this so-called "exposé" is the grotesque violation of Minister Tolashe’s private communications. The publication of intimate, alleged WhatsApp messages is a despicable tactic straight from the gutter press playbook. It has no place in a serious discussion about governance.

Minister Tolashe’s spokesperson was correct: her personal life is a private matter. The attempt to frame a personal relationship—even if it were true—as a matter of public interest is a specious argument designed to titillate and smear. The Daily Maverick, in its zeal to damage the Minister, has abandoned all ethical standards, suggesting that nothing is sacred if it can be used to harm a leader who poses a threat to their political agenda. One would have thought that the gutter press of Apartheid has gone but it is clearly alive and well and kicking in the form of  Daily Maverick and its egregious mousy Sam Sole who was a proud SADF operative. One fascination the SB under Apartheid had was to plant listening devices in UDF leaders bedrooms, the fascination with peoples sexual affairs stems from Apartheid SB days, does this mean the same writers of these egregious articles in DM are familiar with SB practices? Sam Sole owes the public an explanation.

2. Unverified and Unsubstantiated Allegations

The Daily Maverick itself admits it cannot independently verify the messages, as no phone numbers are visible. They rely on "imputed veracity" from unnamed sources. This is not journalism; it is the peddling of gossip. Mr. Kgatla has explicitly stated the chats are fake, part of a campaign by "State Capture beneficiaries" to discredit their work. Why should his assertion be given less weight than the anonymous whispers the Daily Maverick chooses to amplify?

The entire narrative is built on this unverified foundation. To then use this to insinuate that professional decisions are rooted in favouritism is a logical fallacy of the highest order.

3. A Political Hit Job on a Successful Leader

Let us be clear: Minister Tolashe is a threat. She is a leader who has been entrusted with the critical Department of Social Development and is reportedly doing great work. This makes her a valuable asset to the ANC, a leader who can attract votes through demonstrable service. The elite, and their mouthpieces in the media, cannot compete with this at the ballot box, so they must resort to tearing her down.

The timing and nature of this attack are not coincidental. By dragging her name through the mud with personal smears, they aim to weaken her, the department, and the ANC itself. This is not about accountability; it is about political warfare. The Daily Maverick, portraying itself as a bastion of integrity, is simply doing the bidding of those who wish to see the ANC fail, regardless of the cost to national stability or the dignity of individuals.

4. The Professional Record Speaks for Itself

The allegations surrounding Mr. Kgatla's previous employment are being handled through the proper official channels. The Director-General of the Department has provided a legal opinion stating that the DSD is not the appropriate department to discipline him for matters from a previous posting. This is a matter of due process, not a "shield." To suggest the Minister is interfering is to ignore the established protocols of the public service.

Furthermore, Mr. Kgatla was appointed based on his qualifications, including a Master's degree, and his experience. The Minister is entitled to appoint advisers she trusts to help her execute her demanding mandate. To reduce his appointment solely to alleged personal considerations is an insult to both the Minister's judgment and Mr. Kgatla's professional credentials.

The Way Forward

The Daily Maverick has stooped to a new low. In its hatred for the ANC and its leaders, it has chosen to weaponise the personal life of a Black woman in a manner that is both sexist, degrading and corrosive to public life. This article is a testament to the fact that for some, the end justifies any means. They have decided that to "decampaign" a successful Minister, no privacy is inviolable, no allegation is too unsubstantiated, and no personal smear is off-limits.This smear campaign has the fingerprints of mousy Sam Sole all over.

The people of South Africa deserves better and they see through this false charade. They are more interested in the work being done to improve their lives than in the manufactured scandals of a hostile media obsessed with advancing the aims of the elite. Minister Tolashe should be judged on her performance in delivering social grants, supporting communities, and strengthening the social fabric—not on fake messages and malicious gossip designed to derail her crucial work and undermine the dignity of all black women in this country.

issued by Transformation First Movement of South Africa