President Cyril Ramaphosa has immediately placed Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams on special leave for two months – one month of which will be unpaid following the flouting of lockdown regulations.
She will be replaced by Jackson Mthembu for the duration of her leave.
In a press statement released by the president.
The president penned down his disapproval of her action.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams on special leave for two months, and one month of which will be unpaid.
This is as result of the allegation and protests on social media that the minister violated the lockdown regulations, and therefore the law should take its course without fear of favor or prejudice.
You may recall that the Minister had recently visited the home of a friend who hosted a lunch, contrary to the lockdown regulations.
The President summoned the Minister yesterday, being Tuesday 07 April 2020.
The President expressed his displeasure of the Minister’s actions, which sabotagee the requirement that all citizens stay at home and save South Africa from the spread of the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, The President accepted the Minister’s apology for the flouting of the law but didn’t yield to the emotion mitigating factors she tendered.
Consequently, the President has placed the Minister on special leave for 2 months, during which Minister in The Presidency Jackson Mthembu will act in Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams’ position.
The President has reprimanded the Minister and instructed her to deliver a public apology to the nation.
According to the president:
“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.”
She has taken to social media to apologise for her actions to the president and to the South Africans.