Inside the Patronage Network: How Family Ties Secured a R1.4m Job for a 22-Year-Old in Minister Tolashe’s Office with no work expirience

Preto, October 2025 – The Department of Social Development has rescinded the controversial appointment of 22-year-old Lesedi Mabiletja as Chief of Staff to Minister Sisisi Tolashe, following mounting public backlash and internal pressure over her lack of qualifications and alleged political connections.

However, despite being removed from the high-paying post, Mabiletja remains employed in the department — still occupying a position for which she reportedly does not meet the minimum qualifications.

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A R1.4 Million Post for a 22-Year-Old

Daily Maverick first revealed that Mabiletja — who matriculated in 2020 and holds a diploma in Information Technology from Rosebank College — was appointed as Chief of Staff earlier this year, with an estimated annual salary of R1.4 million.

The appointment sparked outrage given the strategic importance of the Department of Social Development, which oversees social grants relied upon by millions of vulnerable South Africans.

“It is one of the most complex and critical ministries in government — literally a lifeline for the country’s poorest citizens,” one senior official said anonymously.
“Yet the minister saw fit to place a 22-year-old with no relevant experience in one of its top roles.”

A Dubious CV and Political Ties

A leaked copy of Mabiletja’s CV raised multiple red flags.
It lists just one year of professional experience in the marketing department of her college and a claim of three years of volunteer work in the office of the late Deputy Minister Hlengiwe Mkhize — a timeline that is factually inconsistent, since Mkhize passed away only nine months after Mabiletja matriculated.

Further investigation uncovered that Mabiletja is the niece of Ngwako Kgatla, Minister Tolashe’s special adviser — a man she previously referred to on Facebook as “the world’s coolest uncle.”
Her mother, Lekgale Mahlaku, has also referred to Kgatla as her brother on social media.

Kgatla himself faces accusations of double-dipping, allegedly drawing two government salaries simultaneously without disclosure — fueling speculation that nepotism and political patronage influenced Mabiletja’s hiring.

Ignored Warnings from HR

Internal HR documents obtained by Daily Maverick show that departmental officials flagged Mabiletja’s appointment as irregular as early as August 2024.

An internal memo explicitly states:

“It was determined that Ms. Mabiletja holds a national diploma (NQF level 6), while the prescribed entry requirement for the position is an NQF level 7 qualification plus five years’ experience at middle or senior management level. She therefore did not meet the appointment requirement in terms of qualifications.”

Despite this, Acting Director-General Peter Netshipale approved the appointment, and within months, Mabiletja was promoted from private secretary to Chief of Staff, a role usually reserved for experienced policy and management professionals.

Department Quietly Removes Her — But Keeps Her On Payroll

After Daily Maverick’s exposé, the Department of Social Development quietly removed Mabiletja from the Chief of Staff position in late September 2025, circulating a memo to staff that offered no explanation for her replacement.

However, insiders confirm that Mabiletja remains employed — now back in the minister’s office as her private secretary, despite remaining unqualified for that position too.

Adding to the turmoil, the department’s spokesperson — appointed less than a month earlier — was also abruptly removed, leaving the ministry without a public communication representative.

Parliament Steps In

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Social Development has since voiced serious concern over the scandal, saying it will launch an inquiry into the matter.

A committee member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the revelations raise troubling questions about merit, transparency, and ministerial ethics.

“If the department responsible for protecting South Africa’s most vulnerable is flouting its own employment standards, what hope is there for accountability?” the MP said.

Minister Tolashe Under Fire

Minister Sisisi Tolashe has come under heavy criticism for her handling of the appointment and for shielding politically connected individuals.
The controversy also places renewed scrutiny on Ngwako Kgatla, her adviser, whose influence in departmental appointments is now under investigation.

Despite public outrage, the department has not issued a formal statement explaining how Mabiletja was appointed in violation of HR rules — or why she continues to hold a position she is unqualified for.

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A Reflection of a Deeper Problem

Analysts say the incident exposes a broader culture of patronage and impunity in the public sector — where political loyalty often outweighs competence.

“This is not just about one appointment,” said governance expert Dr. Thandi Moila.
“It’s about a governance system that continues to reward connections over qualifications, even in departments that serve the poorest citizens.”

With Parliament’s committee now demanding accountability, and watchdog groups calling for a full-scale investigation, all eyes remain on Minister Tolashe’s next move — and whether real consequences will follow.