President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe from her position with immediate effect.

The dismissal, which was announced today, 14 May, was made in terms of section 91(2) of the Constitution, which empowers the president to appoint and dismiss Cabinet members at his discretion.

In a brief statement, the Presidency confirmed the immediate removal and announced that Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, has been appointed as acting minister pending a permanent appointment.

Tolashe, who also serves as president of the ANC Women’s League, had come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks over multiple allegations of impropriety within her department.

Allegations of misconduct

According to the Freedom Front Plus, the allegations against Tolashe included the improper use of vehicles donated by the Chinese Embassy, which allegedly went to her family members. Further claims suggest a state official was used as a private caregiver, with unauthorised financial deductions reportedly paid to Tolashe’s daughter.

Additional concerns were raised about irregular appointments within the Department of Social Development and accusations that Tolashe exceeded her authority by taking action against the department’s director-general, Peter Netshipale, without presidential permission.

The FF Plus had been scheduled to direct several questions to the president during question time in the National Assembly today regarding his delay in taking action against the minister.

Political reaction

The Democratic Alliance welcomed the dismissal, claiming credit for sustained pressure that led to the decision.

DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis said Tolashe’s position in Cabinet had become “untenable” and that the president had “done the right thing.”

“The DA will always champion accountability, integrity and clean government,” Hill-Lewis said in a statement.

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The DA called on Ramaphosa to urgently make a permanent appointment to the portfolio, stating that South Africans deserve “a competent and credible minister who can lead this critical department with integrity, stability and a clear focus on serving vulnerable people.”

FF Plus MP Philip van Staden said the president had “no choice” but to dismiss Tolashe, noting that he had ultimately yielded to growing public and political pressure.

However, van Staden said his party would continue to demand that the full report and findings that led to the dismissal be made public.

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“The people of South Africa have the right to know exactly what was going on at the Department of Social Development,” he said.

Interim appointment

Chikunga will now oversee both her existing portfolio and the Department of Social Development on an acting basis whilst a permanent replacement is identified.

The Department of Social Development is responsible for administering the country’s social grants system, which supports millions of vulnerable South Africans, as well as overseeing child protection services, welfare programmes and initiatives for persons with disabilities.

The Presidency has not indicated when a permanent appointment will be made or released any details about the investigation that led to Tolashe’s removal.

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