Minister Sisisi Tolashe, who heads South Africa’s Department of Social Development, is facing serious allegations about a romantic relationship with her special adviser, Ngwako Kgatla, and claims that she may have protected him from disciplinary action.
The allegations, first reported by Daily Maverick, stem from leaked WhatsApp messages that appear to show affectionate exchanges between the minister and Kgatla.
The screenshots — allegedly taken from Tolashe’s phone — show messages such as “Good night love of my heart” and “Tolashe loves you big time.”
In one message, Tolashe reportedly wrote, “I just miss you my baby. Enjoy your day Ngwako ka Sisisi,” to which Kgatla allegedly replied, “Good morning my love.”
The tone and content of these messages suggest that their connection may have been more personal than professional.
However, neither party has admitted to any wrongdoing. Department spokesperson Sandy Godlwana said:
“The minister will not dignify these defamatory and baseless allegations, which are meant to cause irreparable damage to her reputation, with a reply.”
Kgatla also denied the claims, insisting that Minister Tolashe was “a mother to me and to many.” He described the leaked chats as fake and part of a political plot by “State Capture beneficiaries” to undermine their work at the Department of Social Development.
Despite the denials, the timing and context of Kgatla’s career raise concerns. When Tolashe served as Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in 2023, she hired Kgatla as her parliamentary and cabinet coordinator.
When she was later promoted to Minister of Social Development in June 2024, she requested that Kgatla be appointed as her full-time special adviser — earning an annual salary of R1.4 million.
Documents reviewed by Daily Maverick show that while working for Tolashe, Kgatla allegedly received two government salaries simultaneously — one from the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, and another from North West Transport Investment (NTI), a state-owned company.
An internal email trail reportedly confirmed that NTI still considered Kgatla an active employee months after he had joined government service. Although a disciplinary hearing was scheduled for 14 December 2024, it never took place.
Asked about this, the Department of Social Development said that the matter was “ongoing” and that “disciplinary action is the prerogative of the accounting officer and not the minister.”
A later internal memorandum, dated 29 September 2025, stated that because Kgatla was appointed directly by the minister, the department did not have the legal authority to discipline him for any alleged misconduct committed elsewhere.
Critics have described the situation as an example of “political proximity trumping ethical conduct.”
Tebogo Khaas, chairperson of Public Interest SA, told Daily Maverick:
“While personal relationships are not inherently problematic, when such a relationship exists between a minister and a senior official — especially one directly accountable to the minister — it raises unavoidable concerns around conflicts of interest, abuse of power, and compromised professional judgment.”
Khaas added that such conduct could damage morale and credibility within the department:
“When staff perceive that decisions are being driven by personal considerations rather than merit or institutional needs, it undermines professionalism and trust.”
Despite the mounting scrutiny, both Tolashe and Kgatla remain in their positions. Neither has confirmed or denied whether disciplinary steps will follow.