Sisi Tolashe (Photo: ActionSA)
The DA, the African Transformation Movement (ATM) and ActionSA have all taken formal steps to call Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe to account over allegations of undeclared luxury gifts amounting to around R1 million.
On 3 April, the ATM made an urgent request to the parliamentary ethics committee for an investigation into Tolashe’s actions. According to the party, “disturbing revelations about the alleged receipt of undeclared luxury vehicles” indicate a “blatant disregard for ethical government”.
Daily Maverick earlier reported that Tolashe told parliament in February that she had received two BAIC Beijing X55 SUVs as donations for the ANC Women’s League. However, the secretary general of this organization has no knowledge of this. The ATM says this creates an “obvious contradiction that raises serious ethical, legal and management issues”.
The party further warns that reports about the possible involvement of Chinese officials add an “even more worrying dimension” through possible foreign influence and benefits that have not been declared.
According to the ATM, Tolashe’s actions, if misconduct is proven, could amount to violations of the Act on the Ethical Conduct of Executive Members and the parliament’s code of ethical conduct.
The party demands, among other things, an “immediate, transparent and thorough investigation”, as well as access to relevant records and a sworn explanation from the minister.
Sisisi Tolashe (Photo: Government website)
The DA has meanwhile told pres. Cyril Ramaphosa wrote to ascertain whether Tolashe had asked for permission to accept the vehicles. According to the party, the code of ethics prohibits cabinet members from accepting gifts of more than R1 000 without presidential approval.
Die DA three Daily Maverick ‘s report indicates that the minister gave the vehicles to her children for personal use. According to records, the vehicles are registered in her children’s names and one has already been sold. If no consent was obtained, it would be a “clear breach of the executive code of ethics”.
ActionSA in turn filed criminal charges against Tolashe, as well as lodged complaints with the Public Protector and the parliamentary ethics committee. The party says the minister “deliberately defrauded parliament to cover up undeclared and illegal luxury gifts”.
“This indicates serious misconduct and a blatant disregard for transparency and accountability,” says ActionSA.
ActionSA warns that there are now two options: Either the minister received the vehicles personally and did not declare them, or the ANC did not declare a foreign donation. In both cases, says the party, it is a “textbook example of how public power is abused for private gain”.
The parties insist on immediate action, and ActionSA has asked that the president summarily dismiss the minister if the violations are confirmed.