The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU)welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to dismiss the Minister of Social Development, Ms. SisisiTolashe. This decision was long overdue.
Minister Tolashe’s removal follows a series of serious allegations reported in the media, including allegations of corruption, misconduct, misuse of public funds, undeclared luxury gifts, improper hiring practices and the use of departmental staff for personal purposes. These allegations are extremely serious and could never be treated as a minor political controversy or an internal party matter.
SAFTU notes that the Presidency’s statement did not provide detailed reasons for the dismissal, but confirmed that the President acted in terms of section 91(2) of the Constitution and appointed Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga as Acting Minister of Social Development pending a permanent appointment.
Even though this action comes very late, it sends an important message that there must be consequences when public office-bearers face serious allegations that undermine public confidence, especially in a department responsible for the most vulnerable people in society.
The Department of Social Development is not an ordinary portfolio. It serves pensioners, children, people with disabilities, poor households, victims of violence, and millions who depend on social protection to survive. Any cloud of corruption, abuse of office, patronage or misuse of public resources in such a department is an attack on the poor.
SAFTU has consistently argued that South Africa suffers from a crisis of consequence management. Too often, ordinary workers are disciplined or dismissed for minor infractions, while powerful political office-bearers survive scandal after scandal without accountability.
This dismissal must therefore not be the end of the matter. The allegations must be fully investigated by the relevant law-enforcement and parliamentary authorities. If there is evidence of criminal wrongdoing, those responsible must be prosecuted without fear or favour.
SAFTU further calls on President Ramaphosa to apply the same standard across the Cabinet and the state. Accountability cannot be selective. Ministers, premiers, MECs, directors-general, board members and senior officials implicated in corruption, maladministration or abuse of office must face consequences.
We reiterate that the poor cannot continue to pay the price for corruption, factionalism, incompetence and political protectionism.
SAFTU demands:
Full investigation of all allegations against the former minister.
- Recovery of any public funds or resources if wrongdoing is proven.
- Protection of whistle-blowers and officials who exposed wrongdoing.
- An end to political shielding of ministers and senior officials.
- Urgent rebuilding of the Department of Social Development to serve the poor with dignity.
- Public office is not a private entitlement. It is a public trust.
Those who betray that trust must face consequences.
A statement was issued on behalf of SAFTU by the General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi.
For media inquiries, contact
National Spokesperson:
Newton Masuku
newtonm@saftu.org.za
0661682157
Media Officer:
Asive Dyani
0719019564
