Ramaphosa places minister on special leave for violating lockdown rules

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 following allegations that she violated lockdown regulations.

Ndabeni-Abrahams will be replaced by Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu for the duration of her leave.

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The president summoned her to a meeting after a controversial image was posted by former ANC MP Mduduzi Manana on Instagram on April 7, where Ndabeni-Abrahams is seen sharing a meal with him and others, which contravenes the social distancing rules put in place to curb the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

Ramaphosa said he had accepted the Minister’s apology for the violation but was “unmoved” by mitigating factors she tendered.

The minister was ordered to deliver a public apology to the nation.

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“The nationwide 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,” the president said.

The picture caused a social media storm with many calling for the president to take action against the minister.

DA MP Phumzile van Damme was among those who shared their concerns and disappointment on social media about the post. She announced her intention to write a letter to Ramaphosa on Twitter.

“She [Ndabeni-Abrahams] is a leader and must set an example. I hope he takes strong action against her,’ Van Damme said.

The image in question was captioned: “It was great to host a former colleague and dear sister Cde Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams on her way back from executing critical and essential services required for the effective running of our country during the nationwide lockdown.”

The picture has since been deleted.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Manana said that Abrahams was at his home collecting masks, gloves and hand sanitisers for students working on the Covid-19 digital services the day picture was taken.

“On her arrival, my family was having lunch and I courteously invited her to join us,” Manana said.