Minister Sisisi Tolashe’s appointment of a new chief of staff has triggered renewed criticism in the media

With headlines suggesting nepotism and political favouritism. As the Movement for Social Change RSA, we believe public officials must always face scrutiny — but scrutiny must be fair, balanced, and grounded in substance. South Africa cannot afford to reduce the work of the Department of Social Development to sensational narratives, while millions rely on it for survival.

Ministerial Authority in Context

In our political system, ministers are not administrators but political leaders. They are appointed by the President to steer departments, set priorities, and select senior staff who can be trusted to implement their vision. That discretion is not unusual — it is part of how government functions.

Importantly, in this specific case, the current Chief of Staff was appointed on an acting basis. She is not receiving a salary for that role and continues to be remunerated only as a Private Secretary to the Minister. The acting arrangement was made simply to close an operational gap, as no suitable candidate had yet met the Minister’s requirements for the position. As the law provides, it remains the Minister’s prerogative to headhunt her own office staff, and she is currently in the process of identifying a qualified candidate who can be appointed on a proper contractual term of office.

Of course, every appointment must comply with rules around disclosure and conflict of interest. Optics matter too: public trust is weakened when decisions look like favouritism. But it is misleading to imply that exercising ministerial discretion is inherently wrong. Such appointments are made within a framework of oversight — by Parliament, the Auditor-General, Treasury, and the Public Service Commission.

Shifting the Debate to Delivery

While debates about optics dominate headlines, the real test of leadership lies in delivery. Under Minister Tolashe, important steps have been taken to improve accountability and protect the vulnerable:

Cracking down on fraud by reviewing beneficiary lists, an uncomfortable process but one that protects billions meant for the poor.

Strengthening transparency by pledging to present reports on high-cost departmental activities such as international trips.

Protecting grant recipients’ rights by confirming that no one will lose access to support without due process.

Ensuring continuity of social protection, keeping grants flowing to more than 18 million South Africans despite administrative hurdles.

These measures may not attract the same attention as scandal-driven headlines, but they represent meaningful progress.

The Role of Civil Society

As activists, we must be clear: accountability is essential. Ministers must explain how public money is spent, ensure appointments can withstand ethical scrutiny, and fix weaknesses in service delivery. Those expectations are non-negotiable.

But accountability must be constructive. Media framing that leans on scandal without recognising substance risks damaging public confidence in a department whose very purpose is to protect the poor. Criticism should push for stronger systems, not simply weaken leaders in ways that ultimately harm beneficiaries.

Fairness Above All

Movement for Social Change RSA stands for fairness. Fairness means judging Minister Tolashe on how she uses her constitutional powers — not on speculation alone. It means acknowledging shortcomings while recognising progress. It means keeping the focus where it belongs: on the millions who depend on social development programmes to survive.

The minister has the authority to appoint her senior staff. The real measure of her leadership is whether she uses that authority to strengthen the department, protect resources, and improve services. That is the standard she must meet — and the standard we, as civil society, will continue to demand.

Issued by Movement For Social Change RSA