By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The embattled Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe has claimed that a series of scandals and allegations against her are part of a coordinated “smear campaign” aimed at damaging her reputation.
Tolashe has come under fire for numerous scandals in her department, including hiring practices and, the two cars that were donated to the ANC Women’s League.
Presenting an overview of the annual performance plan for her department and the Social Security Agency (SASSA), Tolashe said media reports have not been based on verified facts and were being sourced from those with an axe to grind.
She noted what appears to be a “deliberate and sustained attempt to mislead the public” and undermine her leadership through the circulation of “false and distorted narratives”.
The Minister placed it on record that these claims are being driven by a disgruntled former official of the Department, Ms Lumka Oliphant, whose precautionary suspension and subsequent dismissal followed serious allegations relating to the mismanagement of public resources and gross administrative misconduct.”
Oliphant was dismissed for violating her security clearance, among other charges, in October 2025.
Tolashe accuses her of making unsubstantiated and misleading claims against the department, rather than following the proper institutional channels to address her dismissal.
“This conduct is clearly aimed at diverting attention from the real reasons for her dismissal and sowing confusion in the public domain.”
She said she would present a full and factual account to Parliament at an appropriate time.
“Until then, the public is urged to exercise caution and not be misled by narratives that are self-serving and not grounded in verified processes.”
In response, Oliphant said, “Isukile. Uyandiqala uGladys,” loosely translated to “It has begun. Gladys is provoking me”.
She added that Tolashe was shifting the blame onto her to shift the spotlight away from herself. “The minister must not divert the questions that she needs to give to the president.”
Beyond her point-by-point rebuttals, Oliphant levelled a broader critique at Tolashe’s performance as minister, arguing that key social development priorities have gone silent under her watch.
“Nothing is happening in that department. She is pushing nothing except for going to the eye crop that she goes with Sassa,” Oliphant said.
She questioned when the public had last heard the minister champion causes around drug and alcohol abuse, child protection or the welfare of elderly South Africans – all areas that fall squarely within the department’s mandate.
ActionSA and the Democratic Alliance have both laid criminal complaints against the minister, after she failed to declare two luxury SUVs that were given to her by Chinese officials.