President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams on special leave for two months, one month of which will be unpaid.
This was announced by the Presidency on Wednesday morning following allegations that the Minister violated lockdown regulations by visiting her friend and former Minister Mduduzi Manana.
The President accepted the apology from Ndabeni-Abrahams but was unmoved by her mitigating factors.
Ramaphosa has reprimanded the Minister and directed her to deliver a public apology to the nation.
“The nation-wide lockdown calls for absolute compliance on the part of all South Africans. Members of the National Executive carry a special responsibility in setting an example to South Africans, who are having to make great sacrifices," he said.
“None of us – not least a member of the National Executive – should undermine our national effort to save lives in this very serious situation. I am satisfied that Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams appreciates the seriousness of what she has done and that no-one is above the law,” he added.
Minister in The Presidency Jackson Mthembu will act in her position.
A social media storm erupted when a photograph was shared on Instagram showing Mduduzi Manana and Ndabeni-Abrahams enjoying lunch together during the lockdown.
