The DA will submit a written parliamentary question regarding the cost of the forensic investigation requested by Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe into how her signature appeared on the employment contract of former Director-General Peter Netshipale.
Despite initiating the investigation, the report states clearly that the Minister failed to cooperate, wasting taxpayers’ money and attempting to evade accountability.
The forensic report by Mketsu & Associates Inc., dated 31 October 2025, makes several damning findings:
- The Minister’s claim that she did not authorise the signing of the DG’s contract suggests she failed to comply with her statutory obligation to conclude the contract within one month.
- The Minister failed to respond to key questions about whether she discussed discrepancies in the contract with the DG. The report finds it highly unlikely that she did not authorise the use of her signature, noting she publicly acknowledged filling the post.
- A letter from DPSA, described by the Minister as a “clerical error”, created an opportunity for Mr Netshipale, and possibly Minister Tolashe, to intentionally perpetuate an irregularity in the appointment.
- The Minister’s response to the Portfolio Committee on Social Development on 9 October 2025 created the impression that she had concluded an employment contract with the DG, contradicting her claim that she did not sign it. Her failure to answer follow-up questions further suggests an unwillingness to set the record straight.
This pattern continued in yesterday’s portfolio committee meeting, where the Minister was evasive and dismissive when questioned on Netshipale’s appointment, the appointment of her Chief of Staff, and allegations of financial abuse and violations of the Public Service Act.
She also failed to adequately explain disciplinary action taken against Netshipale without President Cyril Ramaphosa’s permission. This contradicts both a departmental statement issued on 14 October 2025 and a letter from the President dated 12 March confirming that she acted without delegation.
The Minister has also failed to respond to written parliamentary questions since 27 March.
We await correspondence from the President on our request for an SIU investigation, and will not be evaded in our responsibility to hold the Executive accountable. Minister Tolashe leads a department serving South Africa’s most vulnerable, and we will continue to push for a full committee inquiry.