South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe with immediate effect as of Thursday, 14 May. Following her removal, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has been appointed as acting minister.

The presidency confirmed that the interim arrangement will remain in place until a permanent replacement is announced. The dismissal was carried out under section 91(2) of the South African Constitution and follows investigative reports, including findings published by Daily Maverick, which raised serious allegations of misconduct.

These reports pointed to concerns around transparency, ethical violations, and the alleged misuse of public office. The developments have intensified scrutiny of governance standards within the ministry.

One of the central allegations involves Tolashe’s reported acceptance of two luxury Chinese SUVs in 2023, allegedly intended for the ANC Women’s League, without declaring them to Parliament.

Additional claims suggest misuse of departmental resources, including assigning a government-employed aide to her private residence.

The aide was also allegedly instructed to transfer R7,000 monthly to the minister’s daughter for household expenses. Authorities have described these issues as breaches of public trust and accountability standards.