Ramaphosa appoints Dina Pule as Social Development minister

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed former minister Dina Pule as South Africa's new Minister of Social Development, a decision announced on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, that has drawn immediate criticism from opposition parties and civil society over her past ethical breaches. Pule returns to the cabinet more than a decade after she was removed from her post as communications minister in July 2013.

The appointment was part of a broader reshuffle of the national executive, conducted following consultations with the Democratic Alliance (DA) as part of the Government of National Unity. The changes affected six ministries and included several DA members being appointed to ministerial and deputy ministerial positions. Willem Aucamp was named Minister of Agriculture, David Maynier became Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and former DA leader John Steenhuisen was appointed Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.

Pule fills the vacancy left by the removal of former minister Sisisi Tolashe, who was fired in May following allegations of misconduct. However, Pule's own history has become the focal point of controversy. She was dismissed by then-President Jacob...