Thokozile Mnguni
President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Sisisi Tolashe as Minister of Social Development with immediate effect, the Presidency confirmed today.
In a short statement, the Presidency said an acting minister has been appointed while a permanent replacement is considered.
Sindisiwe Chikunga, currently serving in the Presidency portfolio for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, will act as Minister of Social Development while retaining her existing responsibilities.
Tolashe’s removal comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Department of Social Development, where governance and administrative concerns have been raised in oversight structures.
The African National Congress (ANC) welcomed the decision. National spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said: “This decisive intervention once again demonstrates the seriousness with which the ANC and President Ramaphosa approach the fight against corruption, maladministration and ethical lapses within the state.”
She added that public representatives must remain committed to “selfless service to the people and unwavering discipline in executing the mandate of the organisation.”
The ANC said it supports decisive leadership that protects the integrity of public institutions and advances the interests of South Africans.
ActionSA said it had written a parliamentary question which, it claimed, exposed the Minister’s receipt of a foreign “gift” of two SUVs from Chinese officials in the ongoing “Cars for Cadres” scandal involving ministers in the GNU. The party said it immediately called for the minister’s removal for lying to Parliament and engaging in an alleged cover-up regarding the luxury vehicles.
ActionSA said: “The dismissal of Minister Tolashe must not mark the end of this matter. She must now face the full and heavy might of the law.”
The Democratic Alliance (DA) called for urgent stability in the department and a swift permanent appointment.
The party said: “South Africans deserve a competent and credible Minister of Social Development who can lead this critical department with integrity, stability and a clear focus on serving vulnerable people who depend on its support.”
The DA added that leadership instability must not disrupt service delivery in a department responsible for social welfare and protection.
Sindisiwe Chikunga will act in the position to ensure continuity, stability and uninterrupted service delivery in the portfolio while the Presidency prepares to announce a permanent appointment.