President Cyril Ramaphosa says he will not publicly disclose the reasons behind his decision to remove Sisisi Tolashe as Social Development Minister.
The Presidency announced on Wednesday that Tolashe had been dismissed from the Cabinet position, with Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga appointed as acting minister pending a permanent replacement.
Tolashe has faced growing criticism in recent weeks over allegations that she misled Parliament regarding luxury vehicles reportedly donated by the Chinese embassy to the ANC Women’s League.
She has also come under scrutiny over alleged irregular appointments and contract extensions within the Department of Social Development.
During an oral question session in Parliament on Thursday, Ramaphosa was asked whether the public would be informed about the basis for his decision to dismiss Tolashe.
“The president is never required to disclose reasons why they appoint or disappoint, in other words, remove any member of the executive,” Ramaphosa told MPs.
“And I intend to stick to that convention and practice.”
The president’s decision has intensified political debate around accountability and transparency within the executive, particularly following mounting pressure from opposition parties over the allegations against Tolashe.