The Department of Correctional Services is heading into a "long battle" with its suspended national commissioner, said Correctional Services Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula in Parliament on Wednesday.

Mapisa-Nqakula told Members of Parliament (MPs) that a disciplinary hearing against Xoliswa Sibeko, who is accused of renting properties costing the taxpayer around R35 000 per month, had been put off to the end of November.

"The reason why this case of the national commissioner is being held on November 30 is to do with the inability to bring together the legal representatives of the national commissioner and the members of our disciplinary committee," Mapisa-Nqakula said.

"When people say we are not unavailable there is nothing you can do. Then you have to set another date.

"It seems we are heading for a long battle with the legal team that is representing her."

Sibelo was suspended in July over allegations related to the renting of accommodation for senior executives with "exorbitant cost" to the taxpayer.

It was alleged that she and her Gauteng counterpart Thozama Mqobi-Balfour were renting properties in Pretoria's exclusive Woodhill golf estate at a cost of R30 000 per month.

The rentals were being used while official residences remained empty.

"The tricks of people not being around the represent national commissioner... They should know that by making themselves unavailable, it prolongs this process and causes unnecessary delays," Mapisa-Nqakula said.

"Hence the decision to meet on 30 November up to the 1st of December. Hopefully on those days this matter will be concluded."

Mapisa-Nqakula said Sibeko's lawyers had requested copies of the minutes from all top management meetings since her suspension.

This, the minister said, had "presented a very difficult and tricky situation for us".

It is not correct that the department, which had such "unique challenges", should remain without a commissioner for such a long time.

"Whether this one comes back or not, is another matter, we need another commissioner."