DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ACTS FIRMLY FOLLOWING PRODUCTIVE ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE

12 Oct 2025

The Department of Social Development (DSD), led by Minister Sisisi Tolashe and the Director General Mr. Peter Netshipale, held a productive and constructive engagement with the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Social Development on 09 October 2025.

The meeting, which covered the 2024/25 audit outcomes, governance matters and departmental performance, provided an opportunity for the Minister and her senior management to outline the Department’s firm actions to strengthen integrity, accountability and administrative compliance.

From the later part of the proceedings, discussions focused on governance and staffing

matters.

These included:

• The New York delegation expenditure, where a full cost breakdown and cost-containment measures were presented;

• The irregular appointment of the Chief of Staff, already referred to the Public Service

Commission for investigation;

• The Director-General’s contract correction, resolved after the identification of an administrative error;

• The allegations involving a Special Adviser, which have been referred to the appropriate authorities for the determination; and

• Broader disciplinary and audit interventions currently underway within the Department.

The Department also addressed issues raised concerning the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the National Development Agency (NDA), particularly in relation to audit findings, grant payment systems and operational compliance. Follow-up sessions and progress briefings have been scheduled as part of the Department’s ongoing cooperation with Parliament.

Throughout the engagement, Minister Tolashe and the Acting Deputy Director General (ADDG) for Corporate Support Services, Mr. Xolile Brukwe, reaffirmed the Department’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct and its commitment to ethical governance. The Department emphasised its Audit Intervention Framework and strengthened internal controls to restore dignity and public confidence.

In line with the commitments made before the Portfolio Committee, the Department confirms that it has today take decisive action following reports that its Parliamentary

Liaison Officer may be involved in unbecoming behaviour relating to a staff member currently on suspension and subject to disciplinary proceedings. Acting in his capacity, the officer’s conduct is considered to have brought the Minister and the Department into

disrepute.

Accordingly, the Department has immediately suspended the said officer, consistent with the principle of accountability and the commitments given to Parliament. This action no way disregards the rights of the officer concerned, and due process will follow. However,

under the circumstances, the Department deemed it necessary to act immediately and act firmly.

The ADDG, Mr. Xolile Brukwe stated:

“We will not tolerate insubordination or unacceptable behaviour by anyone in the Department, in line with the assurances given to the Portfolio Committee.”

The Department reiterates that restoring ethical leadership, discipline and credibility with the social development sector remains a central priority of Minister Tolashe’s

administration.

Issued by:

National Department of Social Development

Enquiries:

Ms Sandy Godlwana

Acting Head of Communication

SandyG@sassa.gov.za

0826785634