By Akani Nkuna
Newly appointed Social Development Minister Dina Pule says her controversial past will not affect her ability to lead the department, insisting that criticism is inevitable for public officials who are actively doing their jobs.
Pule’s remarks came after the National Coalition of Social Services (NACOSS) called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to reconsider her appointment, arguing that the department requires leadership that commands public confidence and upholds the highest standards of ethical governance.
NACOSS said in a statement on Tuesday that it had submitted an open letter to the President requesting that Pule’s appointment be rescinded and that a new minister be appointed.
Pule addressed the criticism during her inaugural media briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday after being asked whether she viewed the appointment as an opportunity to redeem herself following her dismissal from Cabinet over ethical misconduct more than a decade ago.
“I usually do not want to dwell much on the past, but I must say that when I was appointed by the President, I accepted with humility and said I am going to do my job to the best of my ability,” she said.
“Of course, criticism comes with the work that you do. I have been around the block and I understand that criticism will always be there. You are not going to have criticism if you are not doing anything. I believe that when people criticise you, they want you to improve, and therefore I am willing to do that.”
Pule was appointed earlier this month, replacing Sisisi Tolashe, who also exited the department amid allegations of misconduct and irregular appointments.
Her appointment drew criticism from opposition parties and political analysts, who questioned the ANC’s commitment to its renewal agenda, a key pillar of President Ramaphosa’s leadership.
Pule was dismissed by then-president Jacob Zuma in July 2013 after Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests found that she had failed to disclose her relationship with businessman Phosana Mngqibisa, who allegedly benefited from the 2012 ICT Indaba.
At Tuesday’s briefing, Pule outlined her vision for strengthening the country’s social development sector, with a focus on improving service delivery, strengthening governance and accountability, and enhancing collaboration across government and civil society.
She said the department would prioritise filling critical vacancies, including appointing a permanent Director-General and finalising the appointment of the Executive Director of the Inspectorate for Social Assistance.
Pule also confirmed that the department would continue conducting grant reviews nationwide to identify fraudulent beneficiaries and safeguard public funds.
“This grant review process also continues to guard against the wasteful use of government resources in line with the already pressured government fiscus. The more we save, the more our people are covered with social assistance,” she said.
To reduce long queues at South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offices, the department plans to accelerate the digitalisation of services through an expanded modernisation programme, including WhatsApp and mobile application platforms that will allow beneficiaries to apply for grants and access other services online.
Pule said the department was also recruiting 1,000 contract workers to bolster capacity at SASSA offices and ease pressure caused by staff shortages.
“Our intention of restoring respect and dignity to older persons is reflected in our home visit policy for clients older than 75 years and those who are frail, so that they do not have to visit SASSA offices,” she said.
INSIDE POLITICS
