Democratic Alliance Calls for Continued Investigation
Why the DA Wants the Probe to Go On
The Democratic Alliance (DA) says that even if former Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe steps down as a Member of Parliament, the criminal case against her must continue. DA MP Nazley Sharif explained that resigning from Parliament would end any internal ethics review, but the legal process would still move forward.
Parliamentary vs Criminal Processes
Sharif pointed out that Parliament can only investigate its own members. If Tolashe is no longer an MP, the parliamentary ethics committee would lose jurisdiction. However, the criminal charges filed by the DA and ActionSA are handled by the courts, not Parliament, so they would not disappear with her resignation.
Allegations Against Sisisi Tolashe
Tolashe faces several accusations that prompted both party and legal action.
Luxury Vehicles and Family Links
She is alleged to have received two white and yellow BAIC Beijing X55 SUVs from Chinese officials meant for the ANC Women’s League. The vehicles, each worth between R400,000 and R500,000, were later registered in the names of her adult children.
Other Claims: Appointments and Misuse of Funds
Additional accusations include:
- Extending the contract of a director‑general without proper procedure.
- Appointing a 22‑year‑old as acting chief of staff.
- Having a state‑funded food aide work at her private home in the Eastern Cape instead of at a government residence.
Political Pressure and ANC Response
The African National Congress (ANC) has told Tolashe to resign as an MP after President Cyril Ramaphosa removed her from Cabinet. The ANC also referred her to its internal disciplinary structures.
ANC’s Instruction to Resign
ANC secretary‑general Fikile Mbalula confirmed that the Integrity Commission’s findings, along with other matters, have been sent to the National Disciplinary Committee.
Internal Disciplinary Steps
While the ANC handles the matter internally, the DA insists that the criminal investigation must continue regardless of any party or parliamentary decisions.
What This Means for Accountability
DA’s Stance on Resignation
Sharif warned that pushing Tolashe to resign could be an attempt to shut down parliamentary oversight. The DA argues that accountability should not vanish simply because someone leaves office.
Next Steps
The criminal cases opened by the DA and ActionSA will proceed through the courts. Meanwhile, Parliament’s portfolio committee may still seek information, though its power over a former MP is limited.
Conclusion
The debate over Sisisi Tolashe’s future highlights a key question: how to keep leaders accountable when they step down from official roles. The DA’s push for ongoing criminal action shows that, for them, legal responsibility must remain separate from political or parliamentary processes.
