South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe following weeks of growing allegations of corruption and abuse of office linked to senior figures within the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
The presidency announced Tolashe’s removal on Thursday, marking the second high-profile exit from Ramaphosa’s administration in recent weeks amid intensifying scrutiny over alleged graft within the government.
The dismissal highlights growing pressure on Ramaphosa to demonstrate accountability inside the ANC-led coalition government as governance controversies threaten to weaken public trust ahead of key local elections.
Pressure mounts inside unity government
In a brief statement, the presidency confirmed that the 66-year-old minister had been relieved of her duties with immediate effect. No official explanation was provided for the decision.
Tolashe’s dismissal followed mounting political pressure from coalition partners within South Africa’s Government of National Unity, particularly the Democratic Alliance (DA), which publicly demanded her removal earlier on Thursday.
The DA argued that the allegations surrounding the minister had damaged public confidence in the administration and undermined anti-corruption efforts.
Tolashe, who also serves as president of the ANC Women’s League, has denied wrongdoing.
Her removal comes at a politically sensitive time for the ANC, which entered a coalition arrangement after losing its parliamentary majority in the 2024 general election — the first time the party failed to secure outright control since the end of apartheid.
The loss forced the ANC into an uneasy governing alliance with opposition parties, exposing internal divisions and increasing scrutiny of Ramaphosa’s leadership ahead of municipal elections expected later this year.
Allegations linked to vehicles and appointments
According to reports by local news outlet Daily Maverick, Tolashe allegedly failed to disclose two vehicles donated to the ANC Women’s League by Chinese officials.
The report further alleged that the vehicles were later transferred to her children.
Additional claims involve alleged irregular appointments within the Department of Social Development and accusations that a state-funded worker employed at one of Tolashe’s residences was pressured to surrender part of her salary to the minister’s daughter.
Tolashe has rejected the allegations and has not been formally charged.
Authorities have not confirmed whether formal criminal investigations have been opened.
ANC faces renewed corruption scrutiny
The latest controversy adds to long-running concerns over corruption within the ANC, an issue that has repeatedly weakened public trust in the governing party over the past decade.
Ramaphosa came to power promising to restore institutional credibility following corruption scandals linked to former President Jacob Zuma, but critics argue progress has been uneven.
The controversy also comes amid broader instability within South Africa’s security establishment following recent graft allegations involving senior police leadership.
The ANC government has additionally faced mounting scrutiny over alleged abuse of state systems after a visa corruption investigation exposed officials linked to immigration irregularities.
The dismissal of Tolashe also follows major upheaval within South Africa’s security leadership.
Last month, Ramaphosa suspended national police commissioner Fannie Masemola amid investigations tied to alleged organised crime links involving senior officers.
That move came after Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was suspended in July 2025 following allegations made by a provincial police chief accusing him of colluding with criminal networks.
The investigations have exposed divisions within South Africa’s law enforcement agencies and renewed calls for institutional reform.
Reform agenda under pressure
Ramaphosa has repeatedly positioned himself as a reform-minded leader seeking to rebuild trust in state institutions after years of graft allegations that damaged the ANC’s credibility.
However, recurring allegations involving senior officials continue to complicate that message and have fuelled criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups who argue that accountability mechanisms remain too slow.
Political analysts say the latest scandal could deepen frustrations among urban voters and younger South Africans already disillusioned with economic stagnation, unemployment and repeated governance controversies.
The ANC now faces the challenge of balancing coalition stability with demands for stronger anti-corruption measures as political competition intensifies before local elections.
Local elections loom
With local elections approaching, the ANC faces increasing pressure to contain reputational damage from ethics scandals while maintaining stability within the coalition government.
Opposition parties are expected to use the latest dismissals as evidence that corruption remains entrenched inside the governing party despite repeated reform pledges.
Political observers say Ramaphosa’s handling of the scandals could influence voter confidence as South Africans prepare to head to the polls once again.
