Thokozile Mnguni
President Cyril Ramaphosa appeared in Parliament today to respond to oral questions in the National Assembly, in accordance with the parliamentary programme requiring him to account for government actions.
Ramaphosa used his appearance to defend government’s economic and security agenda, while also confirming the dismissal of former Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe.
Responding to questions in the National Assembly, Cyril Ramaphosa said this year’s South Africa Investment Conference secured R890 billion in commitments, with R415 billion coming from private sector companies. He said 53 of the 81 confirmed private sector investments had already submitted employment projections, with those projects expected to create about 230,000 permanent direct jobs over time.
Ramaphosa acknowledged South Africa’s unemployment crisis remains structural, citing skills mismatches, slow private sector growth and barriers facing small businesses. He said jobs linked to the investment pledges would be created gradually as projects move from commitment to implementation.
The President also highlighted government programmes aimed at tackling youth unemployment, including internships, learnerships and defence-linked skills training initiatives.
On crime, Ramaphosa said Operation Prosper had shown early progress in targeted provinces, with more than 1,000 arrests made since the operation began. He said joint deployments involving the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force were targeting organised crime, drug syndicates and illegal mining.
One of the most closely watched moments of the parliamentary session came when Ramaphosa addressed questions about former Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe.
He told MPs that after reviewing reports and hearing directly from the minister, he had decided to remove her from Cabinet in terms of Section 91(2) of the Constitution.
Earlier today, the Presidency confirmed Tolashe’s dismissal, with Sindisiwe Chikunga appointed in an acting capacity while a permanent replacement is considered.