President Cyril Ramaphosa ‌on Thursday removed Sisisi ​Tolashe from ​the position of ⁠minister of ​social development amid mounting controversy over allegations she misled parliament and mishandled the registration of two luxury vehicles donated to the ANC Women’s League.

He ​appointed Sindisiwe Chikunga, minister in the ​presidency ​for women, youth and ‌people ⁠with disabilities, as acting social development ​minister ​pending ⁠a full-time appointment, ​Ramaphosa’s office ​said ⁠in a statement.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa has in terms of section 91(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,1996, removed Minister Sisisi Tolashe from the position of Minister of Social Development,” his office said.

“In the interim, President Ramaphosa has appointed Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga as the acting minister in the portfolio pending a full-time appointment in due course.”

Tolashe has been facing months of allegations relating to irregular appointments, alleged misuse of public resources, and claims of interference in departmental processes.

She has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) had intensified pressure on Ramaphosa in recent weeks, with party leader Geordin Hill-Lewis calling for her removal, saying that the allegations against her could no longer be treated as internal party matters.

In correspondence to the President, the DA said there was evidence suggesting Tolashe may have abused public office and that her continued presence in Cabinet was damaging public confidence in government.

“The standard for continued service in the Cabinet is not the same as the standard for criminal conviction. Members of the executive must enjoy public confidence,” Hill-Lewis said in a letter to Ramaphosa.

The allegations against Tolashe included claims relating to questionable appointments in her office, alleged misuse of state resources, and disputed procurement and staffing processes within the Department of Social Development.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) recently found evidence of irregular recruitment practices in her ministry, including findings that some officials involved in appointments did not meet required qualifications and that proper procedures were not followed.

Opposition parties, including the DA and ActionSA, had also laid criminal complaints and called for broader investigations, including a possible probe by the Special Investigating Unit.

Tolashe has also faced separate scrutiny over allegations involving luxury vehicles reportedly linked to the ANC Women’s League and allegedly registered in the names of her children.

The allegations relate to several luxury vehicles said to have been donated by the Chinese embassy and later used by Tolashe and her family, with the DA alleging they were registered in her children’s names.

She has previously said she registered two high-end BAIC vehicles in her children’s names to prevent them from being attached and has denied wrongdoing.

Following her dismissal, Portfolio Committee on Social Development chairperson Bridget Masango expressed concern about instability within the department, noting that the director-general position and several senior management posts were already being filled in an acting capacity.

“The committee hopes that the important services provided through the Department of Social Development, South African Social Security Agency and the National Development Agency will continue to reach the people who depend on them every day, effectively and without disruption,” Masango said.

The ANC also welcomed Ramaphosa’s decision, saying it demonstrated the party’s commitment to ethical governance and accountability.

“Under President Ramaphosa’s leadership, the fight against corruption has moved beyond rhetoric into concrete action,” ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said.

The Presidency has not indicated when a permanent replacement will be announced.

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