Pule replaces Lindiwe Tolashe. This is her second appointment to the National Cabinet. She previously served as Minister of Communications from 2011 to 2013.

Until her appointment, Pule was Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and the Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour.

Pule returned to prominence when she was elected to the ANC’s National Executive Committee in December 2022. She became deputy secretary-general of the ANC Women’s League in July 2023 and re-entered the National Assembly after the 2024 general election.

READ | EXCO approves the appointment of two HODs

Ramaphosa’s reshuffle largely matched requests made by Democratic Alliance leader Geordin Hill-Lewis two weeks ago. The president confirmed Willie Aucamp as Minister of Agriculture and David Maynier as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

John Steenhuisen, a former DA leader, was moved to Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition. Other appointments include Alexandra Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Jack Bloom as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, and Yusuf Cassim as Deputy Minister of Higher Education.

The Department of Social Development oversees South Africa’s social grants system. The portfolio has faced criticism for being treated as a political reward. Bathabile Dlamini held the post from 2010 to 2018, a period marked by the SASSA-CPS grants payment crisis that nearly collapsed the system.

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The ICROP is aimed at reaching out to all communities by educating them and offering services on the day.
The programme will be led by the MEC for Social Development, Nompumelelo Hlophe and the Regional Executive Manager, Abraham Mahlangu.

“SASSA targeted Oakley in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality because it is a great client catchment area which includes many surrounding villages which are largely rural.

This Programme will also serve as a one-stop shop for our clients as most of the value chain role players and stakeholders will be present on display and provide services during a single visit to the event. Enquiries and complaints will be taken and resolved on the day. This is part of SASSA and its stakeholders commitment to take services to the people on a single integrated platform” said Mahlangu.

READ | Elandshoek community to access SASSA services

On the day, social grants reviews, change of payment method, application for various grants and enquiries on the Special Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R370 and Disability grants will be prioritised. Various government Departments, NGOs, State Entities and Agencies, Financial Institutions and some retailers will be providing their services to the people.

This ICROP event is scheduled as follows:

Venue: Oakley Sports Ground: next to Mathibela Tribal Authority Offices.

Date: Friday 20 March 2026.

Time: 08:00.

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During a briefing, Ndlovu said after making several assessments in departments, certain changes needed to be made.

“These changes are aimed at strengthening the work of government to address service delivery and a number of challenges faced by the province,” Ndlovu told the media.

He announced that Lindi Masina, former Speaker in the provincial legislature, is the new MEC for Education. Former Ehlanzeni District Municipality executive mayor, Jester Sidell, was also appointed as MEC for the Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

READ | Premier appoints acting Director General

Masina replaces Cathy Dlamini, while Sidell replaces Makhosazane Masilela. Masilela, in turn, will revert to being the Speaker of the Provincial Legislature. Khethiwe Moeketsi and Nompumelelo Hlophe swap departments as Hlophe joins Social Development and Moeketsi takes over Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs.

All four MECs were given immediate tasks in their respective departments. Masina’s tasks include achieving a 90% pass rate target for 2025, promote participation and performance of learners in Maths and Science.

This also included implementation of the eLearning strategy by providing technological aids such as tablets, starting from Grade 10 from the 2026 academic year.

Sidell is expected to focus on the Mining Indaba and Investment Summit, finalising the feasibility studies of the Mariepskop
Mountain Cable Car and the Hazyview Water Wave and operationalisation of the Nkomazi SEZ, among other tasks.

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It is alleged that the incidents took place from last year until the issue was discovered at the school their 13 year-old sister attends.

“The victims’ sister shared the news with her friend at school who later reported to the teachers. Social Development was contacted and the matter was reported to the police. A preliminary investigation was conducted, and the children were taken to a medical facility for further investigation. The investigation led to the arrest of the biological father of the children last Saturday,” reads a statement.

It was also revealed that the incidents took place in the presence of their mother who was either sleeping or watching television. All the three girls and a boy were removed from their parental house and are placed at a place of safety.

READ | Two minors raped and dumped on the streets

The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi was disturbed by the incident and condemned any acts of Gender Based Violence be at home or any other place. General Mkhwanazi welcomed the arrest of the suspect and said justice will be served for the innocent children.

The father is currently facing three rape counts as preliminary investigations reveal the 13 year-old may have also been sexually abused.

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She appealed to all expectant mothers who are unable to take care of their babies, to seek assistance at their nearest Social Development Offices or Child Designated Non-Profit-Organisations to speak to Social Workers who may assist with information about options suitable to the individual’s circumstances.

READ|New born found in a plastic bag

“Each one of us has a responsibility to protect children and a duty to report cases of children in need of care, including abandonment. Report cases of Child abandonment at local Social Development Office and at your Local Police Station.”

“One of the alternative care options that the department renders to children in need of protection, including abandoned children, is adoption which gives them a permanent or a stable family life,” said Ntshalintshali.

“We would also like to make an appeal to the mother to this baby, to come forward so that she could also be assisted by our Social Workers.”

She added that adoption services are rendered by qualified social workers who are registered by the South African Council for Social Service Professionals (SACSSP) to render adoption services, as well as organisations that are accredited by the department.

READ|Woman convicted of kidnapping set for sentencing

“If members of the public need advice on the choices available to pregnant mothers, they can contact their area social worker or the nearest offices,” appealed Ntshalintshali.

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