Date: May 14, 2026 l Reporter: Jan Porch
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe from office following weeks of mounting controversy surrounding allegations involving luxury vehicles linked to her family.
The presidency confirmed on Thursday that Tolashe had been dismissed from her position as Minister of Social Development, with Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, appointed as acting minister pending a permanent replacement.
The dismissal follows intense public and political pressure over allegations that two luxury SUVs reportedly donated by Chinese officials to the African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) ended up being used by Tolashe’s daughters.
The scandal sparked widespread outrage across South Africa after opposition parties and anti-corruption groups accused Tolashe of failing to properly disclose the vehicles and misleading Parliament regarding their ownership and intended use.
According to reports, Tolashe initially claimed the vehicles had been donated to the ANC Women’s League. However, subsequent investigations reportedly showed that the vehicles were registered in the names of her children, with one allegedly later sold.
Opposition party ActionSA had repeatedly demanded her removal, accusing the minister of participating in what it described as an elaborate cover-up involving undeclared gifts from foreign officials.
The controversy also triggered criminal complaints, ethics investigations, and scrutiny from South Africa’s anti-corruption authorities. Reports indicated that the Hawks, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, had begun widening investigations into the matter.
Civil society organizations and governance advocates argued that the case reflected broader concerns about corruption, accountability, and abuse of office within government institutions. OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage previously warned that the government’s slow response was damaging public trust and deepening frustration among citizens.
Tolashe, a senior member of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and president of the ANC Women’s League, had served as Minister of Social Development since 2024.
While the presidency did not provide extensive details regarding the reasons for her dismissal, analysts say the decision reflects growing pressure on Ramaphosa to demonstrate stronger action against allegations of corruption and unethical conduct within his administration.