Ms Ndabeni-Abrahams had lunch on Sunday at the home of former Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Mduduzi Manana, violating a government ban on social activity until April 16 imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Mr Manana posted the pictures on Instagram, infuriating social media users, who called on President Ramaphosa to take stern action.
Presidential spokesperson, Khusela Diko, confirmed the move, saying "the law should take its course" regarding the violation.
"President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed m

Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, on special leave for two months — one month of which will be unpaid. 

President Ramaphosa summoned Ms Ndabeni-Abrahams on Tuesday to express his disapproval of her actions. The Presidency said her actions "undermine the requirement that all citizens stay at home and save South Africa from the spread of the coronavirus".
 

The South African leader, according to his spokesperson, accepted Ms Ndabeni-Abrahams' apology for the violation, but was unmoved by mitigating factors she tendered.

The Minister at the Presidency,  Jackson Mthembu, will act in Ms Ndabeni-Abrahams' position.

President Ramaphosa said, "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." He said no one should undermine South Africa's efforts to save lives. 

 

South Africa has the highest number of COVID-19 cases with 1749 confirmed and 13 deaths so far.