- Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane is riled up and threatening legal action against two journalists.
- An in-depth probe into her time as Minister of Justice revealed a lifestyle that seemed more luxury than public service.
- South Africans are calling for accountability and aren’t backing down, urging Simelane to face the consequences of her actions.
Let’s talk about the latest controversy surrounding Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane. This isn’t the first time her name has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, but this time, it’s personal—or at least, that’s what she claims. Simelane is now in the spotlight again, this time for threatening to sue journalists over an investigation into her lavish lifestyle.
You might remember Simelane from her previous role as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development. That tenure wasn’t exactly smooth sailing, thanks to her alleged ties to the infamous VBS Mutual Bank scandal. Now, she’s making headlines for a different kind of scandal—this time, it’s about her extravagant spending habits and how they don’t quite add up with her reported income.
Simelane is threatening legal action against two journalists on "privacy and dignity" grounds. This comes after a thorough investigation by the Daily Maverick and News24 uncovered details about her extravagant lifestyle. But here’s the kicker: these journalists were just doing their jobs, shining a light on public figures who might be living beyond their means.
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Simelane’s Spending Habits Raise Eyebrows
The investigation, which spanned from 2015 to 2020, revealed some jaw-dropping details about Simelane’s spending habits. Imagine this: a family vacation to Disney World, a trendy coffee shop in Sandton, a luxurious Mercedes-Benz Viano, and even a multi-story mansion in Pretoria—all while she was mayor of Polokwane. Oh, and let’s not forget the designer shoes and handbags. It’s a shopping list that would make most people envious, but here’s the problem: her salary during that time was only around R40,000 per month. How does someone afford all that on such a modest income? That’s the million-dollar question everyone’s asking.
Simelane tried to explain away some of the expenses by admitting that the money for the coffee shop came from a loan she took out with Gundo Wealth Solutions. But here’s the twist: this company was also linked to the VBS scandal. That connection didn’t sit well with the Integrity Commission of the African National Congress, which asked her to appear before them to answer for her involvement in the scandal. It’s a tangled web, and Simelane seems to be at the center of it all.
Simelane Strikes Back at Journalists
Now, let’s talk about Simelane’s response to the investigation. She didn’t take the findings lightly. In fact, she sent a letter dated January 13, 2025, through her lawyers, demanding that the journalists stop referencing her personal and private information. She also wanted them to take down three articles, a short documentary, and numerous social media posts. But here’s the thing: the journalists weren’t backing down. They stood their ground, refusing to comply with her demands.
“Your statements are, in essence, a lifestyle audit that you have proceeded to conduct against our client. This not only impugns our client’s right to privacy and dignity but also the similar rights of others who have been included as additional targets for your stories,” the letter stated.
South Africans Speak Out
The public wasn’t exactly sympathetic to Simelane’s plight. Social media erupted with reactions, with many South Africans expressing their frustration over the lack of accountability in government. People took to platforms like Twitter to voice their opinions, and the responses were telling.
Rodney Dodkins summed it up with a simple yet powerful statement:
“Eish. She is spitting mad that they outed her.”
Marisa Roestorf-Slabbert voiced a common sentiment among citizens:
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“How come there are no consequences for corruption, laziness, incompetence, etc., in our country?”
Waldy Barske added a twist, suggesting that Simelane might be digging her own grave:
“Let her go ahead, then everything will become a part of court records. She’ll sink herself.”
Chappie Chappie took a broader view, criticizing the lack of accountability mechanisms:
“She gets accused of corruption but promoted to minister. That’s how the ANC rolls. The media is doing what her employers should be doing. Every single minister and senior public servant should undergo lifestyle audits every year, but alas.”
Morgan Naidoo was blunt in his assessment:
“She wants to sue journalists for publishing the truth. Just another corrupt member of the ANC who doesn’t want to be held responsible for crimes committed. Throw her in prison where she belongs. Kudos to the journalists.”
Ivan Perring echoed a common refrain:
“They all do it. Threatening when their dirty laundry is exposed.”
Simelane’s Departure from the Justice Ministry
It’s worth noting that Simelane’s current position wasn’t always her role. On December 3, 2024, Briefly News reported that Simelane was removed as Minister of Justice. This decision came after repeated calls for her removal due to her alleged involvement in the VBS scandal. She was then appointed as the new Minister of Human Settlements, replacing Mmaloko Kubayi.
This move was seen by many as a way to silence the growing criticism and calls for accountability. But as the latest developments show, the public isn’t backing down. Simelane might have changed roles, but the questions about her integrity and financial dealings remain front and center.
