CAPE TOWN – President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed a range of national issues during a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly on Thursday, where proceedings were briefly disrupted by the walkout of members of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party and the Economic Freedom Fighters.

During the session, Ramaphosa confirmed the removal of Nokuzola Tolashe as Minister of Social Development.

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He said the decision was made in terms of Section 91(2) of the Constitution following a review of allegations relating to her conduct.

Ramaphosa stated that he had met with Tolashe to allow her an opportunity to respond before concluding that her removal was necessary.

Sindisiwe Chikunga has been appointed as acting Minister of Social Development until a permanent replacement is announced.

Responding to questions on the 2026 South Africa Investment Conference, Ramaphosa said the sixth conference, held in March, secured investment pledges amounting to R890 billion.

According to him, 53 private sector companies participating in the conference projected the creation of approximately 230,000 direct permanent jobs. He noted, however, that employment outcomes differ across sectors, with labour-intensive industries such as global business and financial services generating more jobs per R1 billion invested than capital-intensive sectors including renewable energy and data centres.

Ramaphosa said government aims to secure R3 trillion in new investment over the next five years as part of efforts to address structural unemployment and support long-term economic growth.

He also provided an update on Operation Prosper, a joint deployment involving the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force.

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Ramaphosa said the operation has resulted in more than 1,000 arrests linked to drug trafficking networks and illegal mining syndicates. Authorities have also seized 18 firearms and 186 explosives.

While he noted indications of reductions in certain categories of crime across five priority provinces, Ramaphosa said it was still too early to determine the long-term impact of the operation on regional stability.

Addressing the precautionary suspension of National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, Ramaphosa said a formal board of inquiry, which is ordinarily required under the SAPS Act, was not initiated because Masemola consented to the suspension.

Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane will continue serving as Acting National Commissioner.

Ramaphosa also responded to questions on Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE), acknowledging concerns from some sectors regarding its impact on investment and economic growth.

He said government is reviewing the B-BBEE legislative framework to improve implementation and efficiency, while maintaining that economic transformation remains necessary to address historical exclusion and support inclusive economic growth.

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