This came after a picture circulated on social media showing her having lunch with friends despite a national lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

“As to allegations that the minister violated the lockdown regulations, the law should take its course,” the Presidency said in a statement.

South Africans expressed shock and disappointment over Ndabeni-Abrahams' apparent violation of the stringent lockdown regulations aimed at curtailing the spread of the virus.

Former deputy minister of higher education Mduduzi Manana shared on Instagram a photograph in which he and Ndabeni-Abrahams, whom he described as a friend, sat at a table with several other people having a meal at his home. 

He captioned the photo: "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."

Manana has since removed the photo from his Instagram page.

“The President summoned the minister yesterday, Tuesday. The president expressed his disapproval of the minister’s actions, which undermine the requirement that all citizens stay at home and save South Africa from the spread of the coronavirus,” the Presidency said on Wednesday.

Ramaphosa accepted Ndabeni-Abrahams’ apology for the violation but “was unmoved by mitigating factors” she tendered. 

“President Ramaphosa has placed the minister on special leave for two months, during which minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, will act in Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams’ position,” said the Presidency. 

Ramaphosa has directed Ndabeni-Abrahams to offer a public apology to the nation.

African News Agency (ANA)