The Public Service Commission (PSC) has confirmed an investigation into Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga and Deputy Minister Steve Letsike for allegedly appointing friends and relatives to positions in their offices and department, following a whistleblower complaint submitted in March 2026. The PSC is also examining the continued employment of Chikunga’s chief of staff and private assistant despite a directive for their return to their original department after their secondments expired in June 2025, according to PSC sources cited by Sowetan on 12 July 2026.

Details Of The Investigation And Previous Incidents

The allegations against Chikunga and Letsike centre on possible nepotism and improper staffing practices, with the complaint alleging roles were filled in contradiction to established procedures. The PSC previously uncovered similar misconduct in the Social Development Ministry, which resulted in the May 2026 dismissal of Minister Sisisi Tolashe after findings of collusion, forgery, and dishonesty in senior appointments. PSC Chairperson Somadoda Fikeni stated, “There were many roleplayers here, and they seemed to have coordinated in the embellishment of facts,” in reference to prior cases of fraudulent staff placements.

Within Chikunga’s office, chief of staff Zanele Mthembu and private assistant Lesego Itumeleng reportedly remained in their posts despite the expiration of their secondments, contravening an explicit instruction by Public Service Minister Mzamo Buthelezi. This forms a significant part of the PSC’s current probe into compliance with public service regulations and ethical standards.

Implications For Public Service Integrity

The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration has expressed concern about recurring irregular appointments and ‘double-dipping’ within public sector departments. Chairperson Jan de Villiers, in a parliamentary media statement, emphasised the committee’s commitment to a professional, merit-based public service as envisaged by the Government of National Unity. “The committee supports the establishment of a merit-based public service … one that is free from nepotism, political interference and corruption,” de Villiers stated.

Recent overlapping investigations highlight ongoing challenges to ethical governance and trusted service delivery in South Africa’s public sector. The outcomes of the current PSC probe are expected to inform renewed efforts towards transparency and accountability in government hiring practices.

The PSC has not provided a timeline for concluding its investigation. Further updates are anticipated as findings are made public or as departmental actions are taken.