Johannesburg – The Public Service Commission (PSC) has urged Social Development Acting Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga to carry out recommended sanctions against errant staffers.
The PSC, which investigated wrongdoing in the department, said it found several anomalies.
However, the previous minister, Sisisi Tolashe, did not act on the findings until she was fired.
The PSC’s constitutional mandate is to uphold integrity, fairness, and accountability in the public service, while the department has a critical role in serving over 30 million vulnerable citizens, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, children, and youth.
Earlier this week, the PSC, led by Chairperson Professor Somadoda Fikeni, met with the acting minister.
The PSC provided Acting Minister Chikunga and her team with a formal briefing on the “Own Accord Investigation” into the alleged irregular appointment of Ms. L. Mabiletja within the Department of Social Development.
The PSC highlighted that the former minister had received the report, but her response did not address the issues raised.
“Instead, Tolashe submitted statements from implicated officials already obtained during the investigation,” stated the PSC in a statement made available to The Bulrushes on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.
The PSC said it updated the acting minister on its findings, directions issued and also advised her of her obligations once its final report is issued.
The PSC noted that the recovery of all monies paid to Ms. Mabiletja during her appointment period must be initiated by the department.
In addition, the PSC said disciplinary action against the following officials must be initiated:
- Senior Human Resource Practitioner: For unlawfully motivating and implementing the appointment despite Ms. Mabiletja not meeting the required qualifications and experience.
- Chief Director: HCM: For supporting the appointment recommendation despite the candidate’s lack of qualifications and experience.
- Former Director-General: For contravening PSR 67(9)(a)(b) and PFMA 38(1)(b)(c) by approving the appointment and signing the appointment letter. Criminal charges under Section 86 of the PFMA may be considered.
The former DG has alleged fraudulent use of his electronic signature, which the PSC stressed must be investigated with the State Information Technology Agency to prevent future misuse.
The PSC further emphasised the department’s responsibility to open criminal cases against officials who resigned or retired after allegations surfaced, to recover public funds.
The PSC stated that its final report will be issued to the Acting Minister and the Department this week, with binding directions requiring a timely response and implementation plan.
The PSC said it will await formal correspondence on these matters from acting minister, Chikunga, who also serves as Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.
Meanwhile, the Portfolio Committee on Social Development has requested the PSC to examine systemic issues within the department, including matters related to food aid and the forensic report on the extension of the former DG’s contract.
