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ActionSA has opened a criminal case against Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe, accusing her of concealing undeclared luxury gifts allegedly worth around R1 million.
The move was announced in a press statement by ActionSA MP Dereleen James on 8 April 2026, outlining three actions taken against the minister: a criminal complaint for corruption, a submission to the Public Protector, and a formal complaint to Parliament’s Ethics Committee.
According to the statement, the allegations centre on two SUVs reportedly received from Chinese officials. In response to a parliamentary question, Tolashe denied personally receiving the vehicles, saying they were donated to the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL).
ActionSA claims this explanation is contradicted by available information. The ANCWL has publicly denied knowledge of the vehicles, while official records allegedly show the cars were registered in the names of the minister’s children. One of the vehicles has already been sold, which the party says indicates private benefit.
The party argues that the situation presents two possible violations: either the minister failed to declare personal gifts, or a foreign donation was not properly disclosed to the Electoral Commission.
These claims have not been independently confirmed.
ActionSA has called on the President to remove Tolashe from office, stating that the matter raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and potential foreign influence in government.
No official response from Minister Tolashe or the Department of Social Development was included in the statement. This has not been confirmed.
For communities in the Eastern Cape, where many residents depend on social grants administered by the Department of Social Development, the allegations could affect public trust in the institution responsible for critical support services. Questions around leadership credibility may have wider implications for service delivery and accountability.
At this stage, the legal and parliamentary processes initiated by ActionSA will determine whether the allegations lead to formal charges or disciplinary action.
Residents are advised to follow verified updates as the case develops and avoid sharing unconfirmed information.
We will update this story as more information becomes available.
