Johannesburg – The shenanigans at the Department of Social Development continue, with the spotlight shifting to action against Director-General Peter Netshipale, accused of chicanery regarding the length of his contract.
The Department of Social Development on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, stated that Minister Nokuzola Tolashe has given Netshipale a week to explain in writing the anomalies regarding his employment contract.
Announcing the move in a statement made available to The Bulrushes, the department said Minister Tolashe, “has formally communicated with the Director-General, Mr Peter Netshipale, regarding serious concerns arising from his conduct in the performance of his duties”.
The director-general’s employment recently came under scrutiny after the department informed Parliament that he was appointed on a five-year contract — despite Cabinet minutes revealing that his appointment was approved for one year.
The statement added: “Having applied her mind and considered all relevant facts, the Minister has taken a decision — in the best interests of the Department to institute formal processes in line with the Public Service Act and the Senior Management Service (SMS) Handbook.
“The Minister has afforded the Director-General the opportunity to make written representations by 20 October 2025, following which the matter will proceed in accordance with due process.”
The director-general’s situation added to the upheavals bedeviling the department that have prompted Parliament to inquire about the goings on under Minister Tolashe, who was appointed last year in July.
While Minister Tolashe has an admirable track record in gender and youth advocacy, her tenure as Minister has been marred by several controversies,regarding financial mismanagement, irregular appointments, and departmental inefficiencies.
The anomalies have included:
- A delegation of 12 officials spent over R3 million on flights, accommodation, and activities for UN-related work, resulting in a backlash for extravagance amid budget cuts.
- Social Development Head of Communication Lumka Oliphant was suspended for allegedly leaking the story of extravagant spending to the media. Oliphant denied leaking the information.
- Hiring of 22-year-old Lesedi Mabiletja as chief of staff on a R1.4 million salary, despite lacking qualifications or previous experience.
- Investigations into funds disbursed by Gauteng Social Development flagged massive corruption; money to tackle poverty never reached the needy
- Improper appointment of Peter Netshipale as Director-General, violating Cabinet decisions on salary and contract terms.
However, the department has stated that the step taken against Netshipale “reflects the Minister’s commitment to upholding integrity, accountability, and good governance within the Department of Social Development”.
The department added: “As the matter remains internal and under consideration, the Department will not comment further at this stage”.
