South African President sacks minister over graft claims
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday dismissed Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe following weeks of mounting corruption allegations against the senior ANC figure.
Tolashe, who also serves as president of the ANC Women’s League, became the second high-profile official removed over graft-related claims in recent weeks after the suspension of the national police chief last month.
Ramaphosa announced the removal of the 66-year-old minister in a brief statement that did not provide reasons for the decision.
Her dismissal followed growing pressure from coalition partners in the unity government after media reports alleged financial and administrative misconduct, accusations she has denied.
According to reports by the Daily Maverick, Tolashe allegedly failed to declare two vehicles donated to the ANC Women’s League by Chinese officials and later handed them to her children.
Other allegations include irregularities in appointments within her ministry and claims that a state-funded employee working at one of her residences was forced to surrender half of her salary to Tolashe’s daughter.
The Democratic Alliance, the second-largest party in the governing coalition, had earlier demanded her removal, accusing the ANC of repeatedly shielding compromised officials.
The scandal adds to growing concerns over corruption within the ANC, which has faced declining public confidence since losing its parliamentary majority in the 2024 general election and entering a unity government.
Local elections scheduled for November are expected to further test the party’s popularity.
In July 2025, Ramaphosa suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu after allegations linked him to organised crime. Investigations connected to that case later led to the suspension of national police chief Fannie Masemola.
Ramaphosa himself continues to face scrutiny over allegations that he concealed details surrounding a 2020 burglary at one of his properties involving large sums of foreign currency. He has denied any wrongdoing, although parliament is preparing impeachment proceedings over the matter.