President Cyril Ramaphosa has fired Minister Sisisi Tolashe from the position of Minister of Social Development, following months of controversy.
The presidency announced the move on Thursday (14 May), appointing Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga as the acting minister in the portfolio in the interim.
Chikunga will be in the position until it is permanently filled, the presidency said.
Tolashe has been under a cloud of controversy at the department, with a flurry of corruption allegations in her wake.
These range from a highly irregular appointment of an unqualified Chief of Staff to unresolved questions regarding luxury vehicle donations.
Opposition parties, as well as parties within the Government of National Unity (GNU), have been calling for months for the minister to be axed.
These parties welcomed the removal of Tolashe after the president’s announcement.
Leader of the largest non-ANC partner in the GNU, the Democratic Alliance’s Geordin Hill-Lewis, had written to the president earlier in the day, urging him to take action.
“Minister Tolashe faces serious allegations that are not minor political controversies. They strike directly at the standards expected of a member of the Cabinet,” he said.
“South Africa cannot have a Minister responsible for social development operating under a growing cloud of allegations involving personal benefit, family enrichment and the possible misuse of public resources.”
The Department of Social Development is a critical portfolio for the government, managing over 60% of the government’s non-interest spending—almost R300 billion in public funds.
The department is overseeing a budget allocation of R292.8 billion for social grants in 2026, aimed at supporting over 26 million beneficiaries.
The department serves pensioners, children, people with disabilities, grant beneficiaries and families who depend on the state in moments of deep hardship.
“It must be an example of care, integrity and service,” the DA leader said.
