President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Dina Pule as Minister of Social Development. She was sworn in recently by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Nonkosi Mhlantla. Pule previously served as Communications Minister from 2011 to 2013.
Pule took the oath of office on or around 5 July 2026. She pledged to uphold the Constitution and perform her duties with honour.
Pule held the communications portfolio between 24 October 2011 and 9 July 2013. She was later removed from office by then president Jacob Zuma. Findings by former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela described her conduct as unlawful and improper.
Parliament’s ethics committee also found Pule guilty of ethical misconduct. She received a salary sanction and was required to apologise to the National Assembly.
The Department of Social Development manages a budget of R302 billion. Pule replaces Sisisi Tolashe, who was dismissed earlier this year.
