ANC welcomes President Ramaphosa’s decision to remove Sisisi Tolashe as Social Development Minister, citing ethical governance and accountability.
Image: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to remove Sisisi Tolashe as Minister of Social Development has triggered widespread political reaction, with parties across the spectrum describing the move as necessary amid mounting allegations and growing public pressure.
The African National Congress (ANC) praised Ramaphosa’s intervention, describing it as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to accountability and ethical governance.
ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the party “welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to remove Comrade Sisisi Tolashe as Minister of Social Development in line with his constitutional responsibilities and commitment to ethical governance.”
The governing party also welcomed the appointment of Sindisiwe Chikunga as acting minister, saying the move would ensure “continuity, stability and uninterrupted service delivery in this critical portfolio.”
Defending Ramaphosa’s leadership, the ANC said the President had shown seriousness in tackling corruption and maladministration.
“This decisive intervention once again demonstrates the seriousness with which the ANC and President Cyril Ramaphosa approach the fight against corruption, maladministration and ethical lapses within the state,” Bhengu said.
The party further argued that under Ramaphosa’s leadership, anti-corruption efforts had “moved beyond rhetoric into concrete action” through strengthened law enforcement institutions, Special Investigating Unit proclamations and accountability measures across government.
Opposition parties also welcomed Tolashe’s removal, although several insisted the President had acted only after sustained political and public pressure.
The Democratic Alliance said Tolashe’s position had become “untenable” and credited its own campaign for pushing the President into action.
“The Democratic Alliance welcomes the firing of Minister Sisisi Tolashe following the relentless pressure applied by the DA for her removal from Cabinet,” said DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis.
“South Africans deserve a competent and credible Minister who can lead this critical department with integrity, stability and a clear focus on serving vulnerable people who depend on its support,” Hill-Lewis added, while urging Ramaphosa to appoint a permanent replacement urgently.
The Freedom Front Plus said the President had “no choice” but to dismiss Tolashe as allegations surrounding her conduct intensified.
FF Plus MP Philip van Staden cited allegations involving the “improper use of vehicles donated by the Chinese Embassy,” claims surrounding the alleged employment of a state official as a private caregiver, as well as alleged irregular appointments within the department.
“The President has now finally yielded to growing public and political pressure,” Van Staden said.
He added that the party would continue demanding that “the full report and findings that led to the dismissal be disclosed to the public.”
Meanwhile, RISE Mzansi described the removal as “a necessary step toward restoring the public’s trust in a department that serves the country’s most vulnerable citizens.”
The party said the controversies surrounding Tolashe, including “the highly irregular appointment of an unqualified Chief of Staff and unresolved questions regarding luxury vehicle donations,” had become a major distraction.
RISE Mzansi said accountability “must be the standard, not the exception” within the Government of National Unity, warning that South Africans could not afford to have nearly R300 billion in public funds managed under an “ethical cloud.”
Ramaphosa’s decision comes amid increasing scrutiny over governance and accountability within the Department of Social Development, with political parties now calling for transparency around the circumstances that led to Tolashe’s dismissal and for the swift appointment of a permanent minister.
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