Ndabeni-Abrahams placed on special leave

One of the two months will be unpaid leave.

Ramaphosa’s decision to censure the minister comes amid mounting calls for her to be axed following her apparent disregard for the lockdown regulations after she was snapped having lunch with former Deputy Minister for Higher Education Mduduzi Manana.

Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu will be acting communications minister.

In a statement, Ramaphosa said the law must take its course on the allegations that the minister violated the lockdown regulations.

Ramaphosa called a meeting with Ndabeni-Abrahams following reports of her lunch with Manana.

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"The president summoned the Minister yesterday, Tuesday,” said Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Khusela Diko.

“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 president accepted the minister’s apology for the violation but was unmoved by mitigating factors she tendered.”

Ndabeni-Abrahams has also been told to issue a public apology.

The president said: “The nationwide 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.

“None of us – not least a member of the National Executive – should undermine our national effort to save lives in this very serious situation. I am satisfied that Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams appreciates the seriousness of what she has done and that no-one is above the law.”