President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday dismissed South Africa’s Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe with immediate effect, removing her from cabinet in a sudden reshuffle.
The Presidency announced the decision in a brief statement, confirming that Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, will assume the role in an acting capacity while a permanent replacement is finalised.
Although the Presidency did not provide reasons for her dismissal, the move comes at a time when the department faces heightened scrutiny over service delivery lapses affecting millions of vulnerable South Africans.
Tolashe’s removal followed weeks of intensifying pressure over governance failures and internal tensions within the Department of Social Development, including concerns about stalled programmes and strained coordination with the South African Social Security Agency.
Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint Chikunga on an interim basis is intended to ensure continuity as the administration works to stabilise the department ahead of key policy and budgetary deadlines.
JN/APA