Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams put on special leave

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 comes after social media was up in arms on Tuesday after a social media post went viral allegedly showing her having lunch at the home of former deputy minister of higher education, Mduduzi Manana, during the national lockdown.

This is contrary to the lockdown regulations, that only essential workers can move around, and citizens should only leave their homes to get essentials like food or medical assistance.

As to allegations that the minister violated the lockdown regulations.

The President summoned the Minister yesterday, Tuesday 07 April 2020.

According to a statement released by the Presidency, the President expressed his disapproval of the Minister’s actions, which undermine the requirement that all citizens stay at home and save South Africa from the spread of the coronavirus.

“The President accepted the Minister’s apology for the violation but was unmoved by mitigating factors she tendered,” it reads.

It says President Ramaphosa has placed the Minister on special leave for two months, during which Minister in The Presidency Jackson Mthembu will act in Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams’ position.

The President has reprimanded the Minister and directed her to deliver a public apology to the nation.

Listen: President spokesperson Khusela Diko on Ndabeni’s censuring

“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.

“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,” says President Ramaphosa.