A full-blown leadership crisis at SASSA threatens to undo all the well-intentioned work going on within the department. Social grants are managed by the Department of Social Development (DSD), commanding a budget of R294 billion per year. The highest amount allocated by the National Treasury after annual debt repayment.
However, a host of irregular hirings, suspensions and disciplinary proceedings all point to a growing leadership crisis at SASSA. The latest occurrence is an ‘ethics complaint’ against the minister for allegedly misleading parliament, reports The Citizen. Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe is accused contradicting herself in regard to a key employment contract.
LEADERSHIP CRISIS AT SASSA
The South African has kept a close eye on all the drama unfolding at the South African Social Security Agency lately. Now, the DA’s Alexandra Abrahams is calling into question the department’s hiring of Director-General Peter Netshipale and, in turn, the minister’s fitness to continue to hold office.
According to recent cabinet minutes, Netshipale (64) was hired in May 2025 on a one-year contract, with annual remuneration of R2.2 million. However, Tolashe previously told parliament that the duration of Neshipale’s contract would be five years (2025-2030), because it was in line with the department’s ‘prevailing prescripts.’ Plainly, the employee’s age exceeds the standard retirement threshold for public servants.
CONTRACT CONTRADICTIONS
“The minister published a misleading response and later submitted a misleading report to the portfolio committee on Netshipale’s appointment. Therefore, the DA concludes that Tolashe has lied to parliament not once but twice, which constitutes a serious offence,” said Abrahams.
Moreover, Tolashe is accused of using her ministerial position to influence other hirings. “She hired an unqualified and unsuitable person, Lesedi Mabiletja (22), to the position of Acting Chief of Staff. The minister’s conduct, if true, amounts to a violation of the Code of Ethical Conduct. As such, we believe Minister Tolashe has brought parliament and the DSD into disrepute and is not fit to hold her position,” argued Abrahams.
LEADERSHIP CRISIS AT SASSA
Despite positivity over select core grants increasing earlier this month (October 2025), the leadership crisis at SASSA appears to be worsening. Those in the know say the department’s recent struggles can be attributed to actions taken by Minister Tolashe. Even in the way Netshipale now faces disciplinary action over his contract conflict.
The 64-year old has been charged with dishonesty, dereliction of duty, and bringing the department into disrepute. Plus, another leaked internal letter accuses him of serious misconduct for signing the contract for five years. DSD spokesperson, Sandy Godlwana, confirmed Netshipale’s contract has since been changed to one year. And his employment term runs until March 2026.
What do you think? Can this leadership crisis just be attributed to the minister? Or are there more cogs in this machine? Let us know in the comments section below …
