By Marcus Moloko
The Presidency has confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, as Acting Minister of Health.
The temporary appointment, effective from 24 August to 30 September 2026, comes as Dr Aaron Motsoaledi remains on sick leave.
Under Section 98 of the Constitution, Ndabeni-Abrahams will assume full executive powers and operational responsibilities for the health portfolio while continuing to lead the Ministry of Small Business Development.
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The Presidency has withheld details of Dr Motsoaledi’s current illness.
Ndabeni Abrahams brings extensive cabinet experience to the temporary role.
She was Minister of Communications and Telecommunications and Postal Services between 2018 and 2019, where she oversaw the merger of two major departments; Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services from 2011 to 2014; and Deputy Minister of Communications between 2014 and 2018.
This is a developing story.
