Following the dismissal of Sisi Tolashe, President Cyril Ramaphosa hints at further shake-ups within the government. What does this mean for suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and other officials?
Image: ARMAND HOUGH Independent Newspapers
President Cyril Ramaphosa has hinted at the potential removal of more ministers and senior officials following the dismissal of Sisi Tolashe.
This statement has left many speculating on the future of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, among others, whose positions could also be vulnerable depending on the Madlanga Commission's findings
Ramaphosa was responding to questions from MPs in Parliament on Thursday.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Nazley Sharif praised Ramaphosa for removing Tolashe but warned that the president’s credibility now depends on whether he acts against ministers accused of far more serious misconduct.
“Will the president keep the momentum going?” Sharif demanded during a tense parliamentary session.
Tolashe was removed from the Cabinet on Thursday following a cloud of controversy that had engulfed her department and office for months.
She faced a parliamentary ethics investigation over allegations that two luxury SUVs, reportedly donated by Chinese vehicle manufacturers to the ANC Women’s League, were registered under her children’s names.
Her office was also rocked by damning findings from the Public Service Commission, which revealed that her special adviser allegedly manipulated a relative’s CV to secure a private secretary position.
In a separate scandal, another official was controversially elevated to acting Chief of Staff despite lacking the required qualifications — a move tied to a multi-million-rand salary package.
But Sharif made it clear that Tolashe’s dismissal should not be the end of the purge.
She directly challenged Ramaphosa on whether ministers would be banned from accepting luxury gifts, particularly from foreign governments and business interests.
Ramaphosa defended the current system, insisting members of the executive were required to declare gifts above a certain value.
“Upon receipt of that declaration, we can say yes, you may accept, or no, you may not accept,” Ramaphosa said.
“You can rest assured that we do have a credible process in government through which the executive can deal with these sorts of matters.”
The president, however, stopped short of committing to immediate action against Mchunu, who has remained on special paid leave since July 2025 after allegations linked him to corruption and collusion with criminal syndicates.
The DA later laid criminal charges against him for allegedly misleading Parliament about his ties to certain individuals.
Mchunu has denied wrongdoing and cooperated with investigators by handing over his electronic devices.
Still, Ramaphosa said that Mchunu’s fate rested with the Madlanga Commission.
“As regards the minister that has been suspended, I have said publicly that I am waiting for the outcome of the Madlanga Commission,” he said.
“It is upon receipt of such that a determination will be made.”
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL Politics