Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has had to answer to a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee this week over ‘irregular hiring’ in her deparment. According to The Citizen, Tolashe okayed the hiring of Lesedi Mabiletja (22) to the role of Chief of Staff within the department back in September 2024.
Ironically, one of the Social Development Minister’s first acts in office was to fire former SASSA CEO Busisiwe Memela-Khambula on grounds of irregular appointment by the previous minister. Acting CEO Temba Matlou, has since been placed permanently in the top job at SASSA. Spending on social grants in 2025/26 accounts for the second highest portion of the national budget – R285 billion.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTER
Nevertheless, the 22-year-old Chief of Staff, Mabiletja, allegedly lacked any experience for the role she found herself in. And she was reportedly paid an annual salary of around R1.4 million, or R116 667 per month. The Social Development Minister defended her actions, saying this was merely an attempt to ‘tarnish her reputation and dignity.’
Meanwhile, the South African Social Security Agency is putting out fires on all fronts. Firstly, core SASSA grants increased this month (October 2025). However, millions receiving SASSA Child Support were not so lucky to receive an increase. Likewise, legal issues between Postbank and SASSA over the Master Service Agreement look to be souring.
QUIETLY REMOVED FROM THE ROLE
Nevertheless, it’s understood that Mabiletja was ‘quietly removed’ as Chief of Staff when it became clear she was ill-equipped for the role. Social Development Minster Tolashe admitted in parliament that Mabiletja’s appointment was ‘irregular.’ However, she squarely placed the blame on former Chief of Staff, Zanele Simmons, who allegedly expedited the appointment.
Tolashe further explained: “At the time, I had no reason to suspect that Simmons would betray my trust and undermine the recruitment of ministry staff. A preliminary investigation revealed misrepresentation and dishonesty on Lesedi Mabiletja’s CV. As well as other serious procedural irregularities in her appointment.”
Both Simmons and Mabiletja were placed on suspension with full pay before being dismissed. And the former Chief of Staff (Simmons), is reportedly exercising her legal right to challenge the dismissal. The matter has also been handed over to the Public Service Commission (PSC) for an external investigation.
