Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams steps in as Acting Health Minister

by Chumasande Matiwane

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams as South Africa’s Acting Minister of Health while Dr Aaron Motsoaledi remains on sick leave. 

According to Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, Ndabeni-Abrahams would assume the acting role from 24 August until 30 September 2026. This appointment was made in terms of Section 98 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. 

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Acting Health Minister role

During the period, Ndabeni-Abrahams will undertake all functions of the Minister of Health, providing continuity in the department while Motsoaledi is away. The Presidency did not disclose further details about Motsoaledi’s illness. 

Ndabeni-Abrahams currently serves as Minister of Small Business Development. Her temporary move into the health portfolio adds responsibility to her existing Cabinet duties at a time when the Health Department continues to oversee major national priorities, including public healthcare delivery and health policy implementation. 

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The appointment is temporary, with the Presidency specifying 30 September as the end date. There has been no indication that Motsoaledi has been removed from the Cabinet or that Ndabeni-Abrahams is being appointed as his permanent successor. 

With this announcement, the government seeks to ensure uninterrupted functioning of the Health Ministry during the minister’s absence.  

Stella previously served as Communications Minister before being moved to the Small Business Development portfolio during President Ramaphosa’s Cabinet changes in 2021. 

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Featured image: Facebook

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