Cape Town – The Department of Social Development (DSD) has defended its ongoing reform efforts while calling for responsible reporting amid mounting scrutiny over allegations involving Minister Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe.
In a statement issued in Pretoria on 29 April 2026, the department acknowledged increased media attention on its administrative and personnel matters, describing such scrutiny as part of transparency during institutional reform.
“We recognise that periods of rigorous institutional reform often attract heightened public scrutiny… and view this attention… as an important element of oversight,” the department said.
At the same time, the DSD urged journalists to exercise caution and maintain professional standards.
“The Department calls on media practitioners to maintain a clear distinction between verified facts and information driven by the interests of particular sources,” it said, adding that unverified claims should not be presented as established fact.
Media Holding Statement
STATEMENT ON INSTITUTIONAL REFORM AND MEDIA SCRUTINY WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Pretoria, 29 April 2026: The Department of Social Development (DSD) notes the continued media interest in various administrative and personnel matters within… pic.twitter.com/TXwAm4zYgv
— Social Development (@The_DSD) April 29, 2026
The department also stressed that some of the issues raised publicly stem from legacy systems predating the current administration.
It noted that matters relating to organisational donations and historical recruitment processes are being addressed as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening governance and accountability.
It further confirmed that where administrative irregularities have been identified, steps have been taken to halt such processes and initiate formal investigations. “All investigations… are conducted in line with established legal frameworks… without any executive interference,” the statement read.
The response comes as reports by Daily Maverick continue to raise questions about the conduct of the minister and individuals close to her.
One report details allegations by a woman, identified as Thandi to protect her identity, who claims she was employed by the department as a “food aide” assigned to the minister. She said she had expected to work at one of the minister’s official residences in either Cape Town or Pretoria.
However, she alleges that she was instead placed at the minister’s private residence in East London, where she lived and worked alongside members of the minister’s family.
She further claimed that she was required to hand over a portion of her government-funded salary to the minister’s daughter, Kanyisa, reportedly for household expenses.
Documents cited in the report appear to support aspects of her account, raising concerns that a state-funded position may have been used for private domestic purposes.
Despite the allegations, the department maintained that due process should take precedence, reiterating that its focus remains on delivering essential social protection services while strengthening internal governance systems.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
