Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe arranged for two SUVs to be delivered to Luthuli House on 25 April 2026 ahead of an ANC Women’s League meeting. Daily Maverick reports that only one vehicle was the original BAIC X55 donated in late 2023, while the other was a different model obtained by her daughter. The move followed scrutiny over the vehicles' registration in her children’s names.
Late on 24 April 2026, two SUVs arrived at the ANC headquarters at Luthuli House. The white BAIC X55, registered to Tolashe’s son Nanilethu Tolashe since 15 April 2024, matched one of the originals donated by Chinese officials in late 2023 for ANC Women’s League use. However, the second vehicle was a green Chery Jaecoo J7, registered to daughter Kanyisa Tolashe since 25 November 2025.
Vehicle records show Kanyisa sold the original yellow BAIC X55 on 28 October 2025 to Weelee, an online car marketplace. She then acquired the Jaecoo from Cubbi without financing, according to Daily Maverick’s investigation. ANC Women’s League insiders stated the donations were never disclosed to the league by Tolashe, its president.
During tense National Executive Committee and National Working Committee meetings over the Freedom Day weekend, Tolashe maintained the vehicles were safeguarded in her children’s names and requested ANCWL registration. While some members sought accountability, supporters like Buffalo City Mayor Princess Faku backed her, with one insider noting: “The attitude is that she brought the cars back.” Tolashe did not specify the donors.
No responses came from Tolashe, Kanyisa Tolashe, ANCWL spokesperson Boitumelo Moiloa, or ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula to Daily Maverick’s queries. Parliament’s portfolio committee plans to summon Tolashe over related department issues.
