South Africa’s head of state has suspended the country’s communication minister for breaking COVID-19 lockdown rules, the presidency said in a statement.
”President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams on special leave for two months – one month of which will be unpaid,” according to the communique.
Ramaphosa summoned Ndabeni-Abraham after her photo of having a meal with a former cabinet colleague was shared on social media.
“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,” the president said.
“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 country is currently in its second week of a 21-day shutdown where only essential staff such as health workers, food producers, supermarkets, and telecommunications staff are allowed to leave home.
Ramaphosa also asked Ndabeni-Abrahams to deliver a public apology to the nation.
(AA inputs)
