Inside the Department of Social Development Scandal: Nepotism, Suspensions, and R1.4m Salary Questions

The Department of Social Development is not new to controversy, but the latest scandal has struck a nerve with the public. At the heart of it lies the meteoric rise and sudden removal of 22-year-old Lesedi Mabiletja, who briefly held the title of chief of staff with a salary package of R1.4 million per year.

How a 22-year-old became chief of staff

Mabiletja’s appointment raised immediate eyebrows. With only a Diploma in Information Technology and a single year of managerial experience in sales and marketing at her former college, she leapt into one of the most senior administrative roles in the department.

Adding fuel to the fire, she is also the niece of Minister Sisisi Tolashe’s special advisor, Ngwako Kgatla, who himself has been accused of benefiting from special treatment. This family connection sparked widespread accusations of nepotism, a charge that South Africans, weary of state capture scandals and tender fraud, were quick to latch onto.

On social media, the reaction was scathing. X (formerly Twitter) users questioned how a department responsible for vulnerable South Africans could justify paying a political newcomer more than most senior civil servants. Comments like “R1.4m for a 22-year-old? That’s not empowerment, that’s exploitation” and “Where’s the fairness for unemployed graduates with real qualifications?” dominated the discourse.

A suspension, a forged signature, and more allegations

Mabiletja’s controversial appointment came on the heels of another scandal. Her predecessor, Zanele Simmons, was suspended after allegedly using Minister Tolashe’s electronic signature to falsify CVs. Simmons denies the claim and has enlisted lawyer Paul Khoza to challenge what she describes as an unlawful suspension.

But the department’s troubles don’t end there. Allegations are also swirling around Minister Tolashe herself, with claims of a romantic relationship with Kgatla. These rumors, combined with accusations of favoritism, have cast a long shadow over her leadership.

Portfolio Committee steps in

The Portfolio Committee on Social Development, chaired by Bridget Masango, will hear Minister Tolashe’s report on Thursday. The session promises to be heated, as MPs weigh the credibility of the allegations and consider what action to take.

Masango has already voiced deep concern:

“These allegations are serious and are of great concern to the committee. We will then, as a portfolio committee, be able to ask questions and make comments, and then we will know what step to take next.”

Why this scandal hits harder

South Africa has long battled perceptions of patronage networks and political favoritism within its state institutions. But what makes this case stand out is the age and inexperience of Mabiletja, contrasted with the staggering salary attached to her brief tenure. In a country where youth unemployment hovers above 40%, the idea that a politically connected graduate could leapfrog into a million-rand position has struck a raw nerve.

Whether the committee takes decisive action or the storm blows over will determine how seriously Parliament intends to deal with allegations of nepotism and misconduct within the department. For now, the scandal has exposed the fragile trust between South Africans and the institutions meant to serve them.

And as the Portfolio Committee prepares for answers, the public will be watching closely, not just for accountability, but for proof that merit still matters in South Africa’s public service.

{Source: Eye Witness}

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