NDABENI-ABRAHAMS' CONTROVERSIAL PUNISHMENT

Nokwanda Ncwane

South Africans have come out guns blazing on social media streets after President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams on special leave for 2 months, one month of which will be unpaid and ordered her to deliver a public apology to the nation.

This follows the allegations revealed on social media that the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies violated the lockdown regulations. Yesterday former ANC MP and deputy minister, Mduduzi Manana shared a snap, that has been deleted of his family and the Minister having lunch on Instagram.

President Cyril Ramaphosa summoned Ndabeni-Abrahams on Tuesday. The President reprimanded and directed the Minister to deliver a public apology to the nation.

"None of us, not at least a member of the National Executive should undermine our national effort to save lives in this very serious situation, no one is above the law.  The law should take its course."

South Africans took to social media to voice out their opinions on the matter.

@innocentmpofu said "Public apology is not enough, she must be arrested, beaten, do squats and roll on the ground like everyone else."

@JabulaniJavas said "We are waiting for Cele (Minister of Police) to take her to a police cell."

@BuntuMag said "Release everyone who has been arrested for breaking the lockdown regulations. We want public apologies from them too.

@CarlaKatjie said "Action was take. Good. But what is "special leave"? Because if it's getting to Netflix and chill for two months and still get paid, then I want special leave too #stellandabeni.

@sosospay said "#stellandabeni deserves a special cell not special leave. This government is inconsistent."

@Nkulu_sync said "Why are people acting like they don't know that ANC officials are above the law, they don't get arrested."

Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams posted a video via social media, apologising to President Ramaphosa and South Africa at large for bridging the lockdown rules put in place to curb the spread of Coronavirus.