By Charmaine Ndlela
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has denied allegations that she influenced the appointment of relatives and associates to public service positions, describing the claims as “false and misleading” while welcoming an investigation by the Public Service Commission (PSC).
Her response follows a Sunday Times report that Chikunga and her deputy, Steve Letsike, are under PSC investigation over allegations that posts in their private offices and the department were irregularly filled by friends and family members.
According to the report, the investigation stems from a whistleblower complaint submitted to the PSC in March 2026.
It alleges, among other things, that Chikunga attempted to secure the appointment of Zandile Mthembu as Chief Director for International Relations, Stakeholder and Capacity despite the candidate allegedly not meeting the minimum requirements for the post.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Chikunga rejected the allegations,
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