South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe following months of controversy surrounding the department and growing calls for accountability from opposition parties and coalition partners.
The Presidency confirmed on Thursday that Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga will serve as acting minister until a permanent appointment is made.
The move comes after sustained criticism over allegations linked to irregular appointments within the Department of Social Development, as well as unresolved questions relating to luxury vehicle donations connected to senior officials.
Political pressure on Tolashe had intensified in recent months, with several parties inside and outside the Government of National Unity (GNU) arguing that the credibility of the department was being damaged by the ongoing allegations.
Growing scrutiny over governance and public funds
The Department of Social Development is one of the most important government portfolios in South Africa, overseeing welfare programmes that support millions of vulnerable citizens.
The department manages more than 60% of government non-interest expenditure and is responsible for billions of rand allocated to social assistance programmes each year. For the 2026 financial cycle, government has allocated approximately292.8billion rand for social grants aimed at supporting more than26million beneficiaries nationwide.
These programmes include old-age pensions, disability grants, child support grants and other welfare services relied upon by low-income households during periods of financial hardship.
Critics argued that the seriousness of the allegations surrounding Tolashe made it increasingly difficult for the department to maintain public trust.
Earlier on Thursday, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis publicly urged Ramaphosa to take decisive action.
According to Hill-Lewis, the allegations were not ordinary political disputes but matters directly affecting standards expected from Cabinet members.
He warned that South Africa could not afford to have a minister overseeing critical welfare programmes while facing accusations linked to personal benefit, family enrichment and potential misuse of public resources.
Cabinet stability remains under pressure
The removal of Tolashe also highlights the ongoing tensions inside South Africa’s GNU arrangement, formed after the 2024 general election produced no outright parliamentary majority.
Since the coalition government was established, disagreements over governance, corruption and public sector accountability have repeatedly surfaced between coalition partners.
Political analysts say Ramaphosa’s decision may be aimed at reinforcing confidence in state institutions at a time when economic pressures and public frustration over service delivery remain high.
The presidency has not yet announced who will permanently lead the department, but the appointment is expected to attract close political attention due to the ministry’s strategic importance.
Social development remains one of the government’s most sensitive areas of responsibility, particularly as unemployment, poverty and rising living costs continue to place pressure on vulnerable communities across the country.
The department’s next leadership phase is likely to face heightened scrutiny over governance standards, financial oversight and delivery of social welfare services.
Source: Presidency of South Africa, Democratic Alliance statements and local media reports.
