A post template

Solly Malatsi: Communications and Digital Technologies
/ 19 December 2025

Solly Malatsi: Communications and Digital Technologies

SCORE: C Malatsi moved into the communications and digital technologies portfolio with a reputation for discipline, clarity and political steadiness, qualities it desperately needed after years of turbulence, leadership churn and stalled reforms. His first year has largely been about restoring credibility, stabilising entities and nudging long-delayed policy shifts forward. On the positive side, Malatsi […]

Thembi Simelane: Human Settlements
/ 19 December 2025

Thembi Simelane: Human Settlements

SCORE: E It’s fair to say that Simelane has struggled to come out from under the heavy cloud of corruption allegations against her linked to the VBS Mutual Bank scandal. Earlier this year, the Democratic Alliance also opened a criminal case accusing Simelane of defrauding Eskom of more than R700 000 through inflated billing while […]

Barbara Creecy: Transport
/ 19 December 2025

Barbara Creecy: Transport

SCORE: E The department of transport gets an E because its leadership has decided to manage chaos rather than regulate a crisis. The department might point to some wins like the turnaround of Prasa with the rail agency achieving its first clean audit in nine years and nearly doubling its passenger trips to 77 million. […]

Maropene Ramokgopa: Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
/ 19 December 2025

Maropene Ramokgopa: Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

SCORE: D Ramokgopa has maintained a relatively low public profile, aside from criticism from organised labour. Unions accused the minister of bypassing public service regulations by reinstating a senior official facing corruption allegations without following due process, an allegation that has drawn scrutiny of her leadership. Despite the controversy, Ramokgopa has played a central role […]

Sindisiwe Chikunga: Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
/ 19 December 2025

Sindisiwe Chikunga: Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities

SCORE: D The department has hardly made strides in addressing the national gender-based violence and femicide crisis besides awareness campaigns and public statements condemning each violent case as it occurs. As the “custodian of strategic leadership, advocacy, and coordination to mainstream the socio-economic empowerment of women, youth and persons with disabilities” the department has often […]

Aaron Motsoaledi: Health
/ 19 December 2025

Aaron Motsoaledi: Health

SCORE: C The Department of Health earns a C this year. Unlike previous years of total decline, the department hit major targets, particularly in its massive HIV and TB programs. By ensuring 96% of people with HIV know their status, South Africa remains a global leader in epidemic control. However, this grade reflects a department […]

Dean Macpherson: Public Works and Infrastructure
/ 19 December 2025

Dean Macpherson: Public Works and Infrastructure

SCORE: B- Macpherson tackled the construction mafia in 2024. Since June 2024, 40 non-performing contractors have been blacklisted from doing business with the department. Macpherson also suspended funding under the Expanded Public Works Programme to the Free State municipality of Matjhabeng following allegations of inflated salaries paid to politically connected individuals — pending a full […]

Sisisi Tolashe: Social Development
/ 19 December 2025

Sisisi Tolashe: Social Development

SCORE: E Tolashe’s 2025 has been marked by a combination of policy initiatives and ongoing controversy. On the policy front, she prioritised efforts to root out fraud and corruption within the South African Social Security Agency, introducing biometric enrolment and targeted investigations aimed at protecting public funds and ensuring grants reach legitimate beneficiaries. She also […]