Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development says former minister Sisisi Tolashe remains subject to ongoing investigations despite her recent dismissal from office.
Committee chairperson Bridget Masango confirmed that inquiries linked to alleged irregular appointments and the reported mistreatment of household staff employed by Tolashe are still underway.
Speaking during a briefing in Parliament on Monday, Masango said the committee would wait for all investigations to be finalised before determining the next course of action.
The committee had already been examining the issues during Tolashe’s previous appearance before Parliament earlier this month, shortly before she was removed from her position.
Parliament Oversight Into Sisisi Tolashe Matters Continues
A probe conducted by the Public Service Commission found evidence of collusion, fraud and forgery linked to the appointment of Tolashe’s private secretary.
Days before Tolashe’s dismissal, her special adviser, Ngwako Kgatla, was suspended following recommendations made by the commission.
Masango said Parliament’s oversight responsibilities would continue regardless of Tolashe no longer serving as minister.
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“We have to oversight and to arrive at a place where if there were taxpayers’ monies that disappeared as a result of whatever could have happened, the processes that need to be followed to recoup that money ensues.”
According to Masango, the committee intends to ensure accountability if public funds were improperly used.
Forensic Investigation And New York Trip Under Scrutiny
The committee is also expected to review a forensic investigation commissioned by Tolashe into the appointment of former department Director-General Peter Netshipale.
Masango stressed that the investigations would not end simply because Tolashe had left office. “By no means are the investigations also gone with the Minister. They stay.”
Parliament is additionally awaiting more details from the department regarding a R3 million trip to New York led by Tolashe last year.
The Times Post learned that committee members are expected to continue monitoring developments linked to the spending and appointment processes as investigations progress.
