Pressure mounts on Ramaphosa to act against Minister Tolashe as SUV scandal fuels public anger

Frustration is mounting over corruption and wasteful spending in government, with fresh calls for decisive action against Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe.

The controversy centres on two luxury SUVs valued at about R500,000 each, allegedly linked to the minister’s children. Evidence published by Daily Maverick indicates ownership of the vehicles has been transferred to them, raising serious questions about conduct and disclosure.

Despite this, no action has been taken.

‘No action’ fuels public anger

OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage said the lack of response is deepening public frustration and reinforcing perceptions that government is failing to act against wrongdoing.

“It’s frustrating, it is absolutely frustrating,” he said.

Duvenage pointed to what he described as inconsistent action from President Cyril Ramaphosa, contrasting the slow response in this case with swift moves taken against other officials.

“There’s this inconsistency. He needs to exercise leadership.”

Calls for transparency and accountability

Duvenage said the minister should provide a clear and transparent explanation, warning that continued silence is only fuelling suspicion.

“When you are met with radio silence or confusing responses that lack real substance and transparency, well then the speculation just rises.”

He added that more than a week had passed without meaningful answers, despite the seriousness of the allegations.

Conflict of interest concerns raised

The case has also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and breaches of parliamentary ethics rules.

Duvenage said the alleged benefit to family members, combined with a failure to disclose the matter, points to serious governance issues.

“When your direct family members are benefiting… and you haven’t disclosed this… you’re in serious trouble.”

He stressed that even if the vehicles were intended for the ANC Women’s League, this would not justify their use by individuals or family members.

“There’s a massive conflict… and we cannot have unethical [people] in positions of power.”

Trust deficit deepens

The controversy is adding to what Duvenage described as a growing trust deficit between government and the public.

“The trust deficit between government and society is so wide, and this just makes it worse.”

He warned that ongoing delays in addressing the issue risk reinforcing public perceptions that corruption and misuse of resources are tolerated.

Pressure on Ramaphosa to act

Duvenage said the matter does not require lengthy investigations and could be resolved quickly if there is political will.

“This is not a complex forensic audits that take months. You gather the facts and evidence within a week or two.”

He called on the president to act decisively, either by holding the minister accountable or ensuring she provides a credible explanation.

With pressure building from civil society, media, and political actors, the issue is unlikely to fade, as anger grows among South Africans over corruption and wasteful government spending.

Related coverage: Tolashe SUV scandal

— Tolashe under fire over SUV scandal as criminal case opened

— DA demands answers from Ramaphosa over Tolashe vehicle donation

— MPs push for accountability as pressure mounts on Tolashe

For more information, listen to Duvenage on CapeTalk using the audio player below: