Daily Maverick writes that Department of Social Development (DSD) Minister Sisisi Tolashe is allegedly in a romantic relationship with her special adviser Ngwako Kgatla, whom she appears to be shielding from disciplinary charges.
Over the past two years, Tolashe is said to have ensured that Kgatla remained close by her side, first employing him in her previous job as deputy minister of women, youth and persons with disabilities, and then selecting him as her special adviser at the DSD. Insiders say his influence over Tolashe and the department’s decisions is concerning, and there is evidence to suggest shielding of Kgatla from disciplinary charges.
Leaked pictures allegedly showing messages exchanged between Tolashe and Kgatla may cast new light on the nature of their relationship — suggesting it may be more personal than professional, and potentially explaining the preferential treatment that department staffers allege he has received. The images are photographs taken of a phone screen showing an undated WhatsApp exchange between the owner of the phone, allegedly Tolashe, and a contact saved as “kgatlangwako”. The profile picture seems to match the appearance of Ngwako Kgatla. According to sources, the relationship between Tolashe and Kgatla is an open secret within the DSD.
DSD spokesperson Sandy Godlwana responded: “The minister will not dignify these defamatory and baseless allegations, which are meant to cause irreparable damage to her reputation, with a reply.” Tebogo Khaas of Public Interest SA commented: “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.”
- Read the full original of the extensive report in the above regard by Rebecca Davis at Daily Maverick
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