The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Bridget Masango, has raised serious concerns over allegations involving the Minister of Social Development, following a Daily Maverick report that has sparked public scrutiny.
The report alleges that a departmentally appointed and state-paid worker was deployed to perform duties at a private residence and was allegedly required to hand over a portion of her salary to a member of the Minister’s family.
Masango said if the claims are proven, they would amount to a serious breach of public trust.
“Public money is not personal money. It is collected from South Africans to serve the people, especially the most vulnerable,” she said.
“Any indication that these resources may have been diverted for private benefit strikes at the heart of ethical governance.”
She added that the committee views the matter in a serious light and will seek formal engagement with the department.
“The committee will request a full briefing from the department, and the Minister will be invited to appear before Parliament to respond to these allegations,” Masango said.
The committee further raised concern over possible breaches of the Public Finance Management Act, saying the reported conduct, if confirmed, could constitute financial misconduct.
In response, the Department of Social Development said it noted the media reports and urged caution in reporting unverified claims.
“The Department urges adherence to the highest standards of journalistic integrity, ensuring that unverified claims are not presented as established facts before due processes are concluded,” it said.
The department added that it remains committed to governance reform and accountability, while emphasising that internal processes must be allowed to unfold without interference.
Photo: X/ @SisisiTolashe
