PRETORIA, Gauteng — The Democratic Alliance (DA) has formally demanded a comprehensive lifestyle audit for the newly appointed Minister of Social Development, Dina Pule. Citing her controversial appointment and past ethical controversies, the opposition party is pressing the Presidency to scrutinize the finances and assets of the minister, who was previously dismissed from her role as Minister of Communications.
In a formal letter addressed to the Director-General in the Presidency and Secretary of Cabinet Phindile Baleni, DA MP Nazley Sharif initiated the call for the financial scrutiny. The opposition party argues that the lifestyle audit is essential to shed light on Pule’s finances and other assets, especially given her historical track record involving multiple ethical investigations.
The DA has strongly criticized the decision to appoint Pule to one of the government’s most critical portfolios. According to the opposition, entrusting a politician who was previously found guilty of serious ethical breaches contradicts the principles of ethical leadership and anti-corruption.
Party representatives have questioned the African National Congress’s (ANC) true stance on political renewal and fighting corruption. They accused the ruling party of hypocrisy, labeling Pule as a loyalist to former President Jacob Zuma, and warned that such controversial decisions could severely impact the ANC’s performance in the upcoming national elections. The DA insists that a thorough examination of how this appointment decision was reached is necessary.
In response to the mounting criticism, the ANC has defended the appointment. During a recent media briefing, ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula stated that the party firmly believes in the concept of redemption. Mbalula further highlighted Pule’s continued senior responsibilities within the ANC Women’s League as a factor in her political standing and defense of her new ministerial role.
