President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe following growing public scrutiny and media speculation surrounding affairs within the department.
In a statement issued by the Presidency, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that the removal was made in terms of Section 91(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
โPresident Cyril Ramaphosa has in terms of section 91(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, removed Minister Sisisi Tolashe from the position of Minister of Social Development,โ the Presidency said.
The Presidency further announced that Sindisiwe Chikunga has been appointed as Acting Minister of Social Development while the President considers a permanent replacement.
โIn the interim, President Ramaphosa has appointed Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga as the acting minister in the portfolio pending a full-time appointment in due course,โ the statement added.
The dismissal comes amid increasing media reports and speculation regarding Tolasheโs leadership and alleged issues within the Department of Social Development. While the Presidency did not provide detailed reasons for the decision, political analysts say the move signals the Presidentโs intention to stabilise the department and address concerns raised in recent weeks.
The Department of Social Development plays a critical role in overseeing social grants, poverty alleviation programmes and welfare services affecting millions of South Africans. The leadership change is expected to attract significant public and political attention as stakeholders await further clarity on the future direction of the department.
Opposition parties are also likely to call for transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding Tolasheโs removal, while social development organisations will be watching closely to ensure continuity in service delivery.
President Ramaphosa is expected to announce a permanent ministerial appointment in the coming days.
