Parliament, Tuesday, 28 April 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Ms Bridget Masango has noted, with deep concern, the serious allegations published by Daily Maverick regarding the conduct of the Minister of Social Development.
According to the report, a worker appointed and paid through the Department of Social Development was allegedly deployed to perform duties at a private residence, while also being forced to hand over a significant portion of her salary to a member of the Minister’s family. If true, this is not just a technical breach of rules but is a violation of public trust.
Public money is not personal money. It is collected from South Africans to serve the people, especially the most vulnerable. Any indication that these resources may have been diverted for private benefit strikes at the heart of ethical governance.
The committee views these allegations in a very serious light. A worker who enters the public service should be protected by the law, not placed in a position where they feel compelled to give up part of their earnings. Equally, public office bearers are expected to always act within the law and to uphold the highest standards of integrity.
The reported use of a state-paid employee for private household work, particularly at a residence that is not officially designated, raises critical questions about compliance with the Public Finance Management Act and the broader regulatory framework governing the executive.
An additional allegation that the employee was required to pay back a portion of her salary is equally troubling. Such an arrangement, if proven, would have no lawful basis and may constitute financial misconduct.
As part of its oversight responsibility, the committee will formally request a full briefing from the department. The Minister will also be invited to appear before the committee to respond to these allegations.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, MS BRIDGET MASANGO.
For media enquiries, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Ms Faith Ndenze
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 081 377 0686
Email: fndenze@parliament.gov.za
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