President Cyril Ramaphosa has fired Sisisi Tolashe as Minister of Social Development in a dramatic Cabinet shake-up that is expected to intensify political tensions within the ANC and trigger fresh questions about accountability in government.
In a brief statement released on Thursday, the Presidency confirmed that Ramaphosa had pink slipped Tolashe from her position in terms of Section 91(2) of the Constitution, which empowers the president to appoint and dismiss ministers.
Africa Daily reported yesterday that the ANC Intergrity Commission, led by revered cleric Frank Chikanehas presented a draft report to the party’s top seven leaders recommending that Tolashe be fired from her job as Minister of Social Development and President of the ANCWL.
The Presidency announced that Sindisiwe Chikunga, currently Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, would serve as acting Minister of Social Development until a permanent replacement is appointed.
Tolashe had recently come under mounting scrutiny after allegations surfaced that luxury vehicles donated to the ANC Women’s League by Chinese officials were allegedly registered under the names of her children instead of the organisation itself.
The controversy sparked outrage within political circles and allegedly drew the attention of the ANC’s integrity structures, with opposition parties accusing senior government leaders of abusing public office and party resources for personal benefit.
Although Ramaphosa has remained silent on the exact reasons behind Tolashe’s dismissal, political analysts say the president may have acted to contain further reputational damage to both the government and the ANC ahead of increasing public pressure over corruption and ethical leadership.
The allegations surrounding the donated vehicles emerged at a time when the ANC is already battling declining public trust, internal factional battles and criticism over corruption scandals involving senior leaders.
Tolashe, a long-serving ANC politician and former deputy minister, was appointed Minister of Social Development following the 2024 general elections. Her appointment was seen as part of Ramaphosa’s attempt to balance competing factions within the governing party while strengthening women’s representation in Cabinet.
However, critics argue that her tenure quickly became overshadowed by controversy and questions about governance within the ANC Women’s League.
Opposition parties are now expected to demand full transparency from the Presidency regarding the circumstances surrounding her dismissal. Some are also likely to call for investigations into the alleged registration of the donated vehicles and whether any laws or ethical codes were violated.
The sudden axing of Tolashe marks yet another high-profile Cabinet change by Ramaphosa as he attempts to project a tougher stance on accountability while navigating deepening political pressures inside and outside the ANC.
