CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa said he would not provide reasons why he fired Sisisi Tolashe as the Minister of Social Development.
Ramaphosa was responding to questions by FF Plus Member of Parliament (MP) Phillip van Staden on Thursday during his oral reply session.
While van Staden welcomed the minister’s dismissal from her duties, he questioned whether Ramaphosa would table the findings that informed his decision to do so.
In response, Ramaphosa said the President is not required to give reasons why he appoints or removes a member of the executive, and as such, he will stick to this practice.
READ | Ramaphosa fires Social Development Minister Tolashe
Tolashe has faced scrutiny in recent months after she was accused of misleading Parliament regarding two luxury vehicles allegedly donated to the ANC Women’s League, but which ended up in her family's possession.
Last month, ActionSA MP Dereleen James filed criminal charges against Tolashe, accusing her of misleading Parliament.
The DA also wrote to Ramaphosa asking him to take decisive action against Tolashe.
Tolashe has also faced criticism over alleged irregular appointments of key staff.
READ | 'The President will decide' - Minister Tolashe as she refuses to resign
Despite maintaining that he would not disclose reasons for her removal, Ramaphosa revealed that he had engaged Tolashe.
"I asked her to furnish me with a report on all these matters. I had a discussion with the minister and gave her an opportunity to set out her case."
“Now, having considered all these submissions by the minister while also being mindful of the conduct expected of members of the executive, I have decided to remove the minister from the position of Minister of Social Development in terms of Section 91 (2) of the Constitution," he said.
In the interim, 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.