PRETORIA – President Cyril Ramaphosa removed Justice Minister Thembi Simelane from her position Wednesday amid mounting pressure over her links to the VBS bank scandal, reassigning her to lead the human settlements portfolio in a broader cabinet reshuffle.

The president appointed former Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi as the new justice minister, citing the need to ensure cabinet effectiveness in delivering its mandate under Section 91(2) of the constitution.

Simelane’s reassignment follows revelations that she received a loan from a company that benefited from VBS bank while serving as mayor of Polokwane, a municipality that had made substantial deposits with the troubled bank.

In additional moves, Ramaphosa appointed Phumzile Mgcina, previously deputy minister of labour and employment, as deputy minister of mineral and petroleum resources.

Nemadzinga-Tshabalala, who served as deputy minister of mineral and petroleum resources, will now take up the position of deputy minister of employment and labour.

“These changes to the national executive take immediate effect,” said a statement from the president’s office.

The reshuffle comes as Ramaphosa’s administration faces increasing scrutiny over governance issues and the handling of corruption allegations within its ranks.

The VBS scandal has remained a contentious issue in South African politics since the bank’s collapse, with several public officials facing questions about their connections to the institution.

This latest cabinet reorganization reflects Ramaphosa’s ongoing efforts to address public concerns about accountability while maintaining governmental stability.