The African National Congress has instructed former Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe to resign immediately as a Member of Parliament and as president of the ANC Women’s League.
The directive follows a weekend meeting of the ANC’s National Executive Committee, which adopted recommendations from the party’s Integrity Commission. The commission found Tolashe guilty on four counts and concluded that her conduct had brought the party into disrepute.
“The integrity commission decided on her removal from leading the Women’s League. The greatest issue here is the abuse of women. She cannot champion women’s rights while facing allegations of abusing women,” a source close to the process said.
The NEC referred all five matters before it, including Tolashe’s, to the ANC’s National Disciplinary Committee, with the NEC itself acting as complainant. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula confirmed that his office would move to implement the resolution.
Tolashe was fired as Minister of Social Development by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 15 May 2026 under section 91(2) of the Constitution. The controversy stems from allegations that two luxury SUVs donated to the ANC Women’s League by Chinese officials ended up with her adult children. She also faced claims of mistreatment involving a household food aide and scrutiny over appointments during her tenure.
The ANC Women’s League is expected to convene an urgent meeting to discuss Tolashe’s resignation and the leadership vacuum it creates. Tolashe, Bathabile Dlamini, and Thembeka Mchunu contested the league’s presidency in July 2023, with Tolashe winning with 1,729 votes.
About the Author
