NEW ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL AT THE HELM AS MINISTER PULE ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES

By DSD News

• Leadership handover: Adv. Gugulethu Thimane ends her term as Acting Director-General on 30 September 2026. Ms Raphaahle Ramokgopa takes over as the incoming Acting Director-General.
• A familiar face returns: Ms. Ramokgopa brings 29 years of public service experience. She has served in senior roles at the Department, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the National Development Agency (NDA).
• New appointments and a call for unity: Adv. Euphemia Ntini Mashigo has been appointed Chief of Staff to the Minister, and Mr. Ronnie Masilela has been appointed Media Liaison Officer. Minister Pule has urged staff to unite behind the transition.

PRETORIA – Minister of Social Development Ms Dina Pule has announced a leadership transition and key appointments in the Department.
She made the announcement on 29 September 2026 during an extended Management Committee (MANCO) meeting at the Department’s Head Office in Pretoria.

Minister Pule announced that Acting Director-General Adv. Gugulethu Thimane would conclude her service with the Department on 30 September 2026, and welcomed Ms Raphaahle Ramokgopa as the incoming Acting Director-General. The Minister also announced the appointment of Adv. Euphemia Ntini Mashigo as Chief of Staff to the Minister and Mr Ronnie Masilela as Media Liaison Officer.

Tribute to outgoing Acting Director-General

The Minister thanked Adv. Thimane for her leadership, dedication and service during a challenging period for the Department.
“She has been a pillar of support and has consistently gone above and beyond in serving the Department. Her leadership, guidance and commitment have made a lasting and meaningful impact on the organisation,” said Minister Pule.
Adv. Thimane’s departure takes effect on 1 October 2026. She will continue to contribute her expertise through her work in Monitoring and Evaluation. The Department thanked her for her service and wished her every success in her future endeavours.

Experienced leader returns

Ms Ramokgopa brings a wealth of public service experience to her new role. Her 29-year career includes an earlier period in the Department as Chief Director: Monitoring and Evaluation from 2005 to 2009.
She later held senior leadership positions at SASSA, where she served as Executive Manager responsible for Strategy and Business Development. Most recently, she served as the NDA’s Acting Chief Executive Officer for a year, until July 2026.
Minister Pule welcomed her return to the Department and said she was confident that Ms Ramokgopa’s experience and institutional knowledge would support its work.

SASSA pledges support

SASSA Chief Executive Officer Mr Themba Matlou also expressed his support for the transition. He praised Adv. Thimane’s commitment to leading the Department through a period of uncertainty. He said her guidance had helped to maintain stability and operational continuity. He also confirmed that SASSA was ready to work with Ms Ramokgopa and the Department.

A call to work together

Minister Pule called on the Department’s leadership and staff to unite behind the transition and to stay focused on the people they serve. She said strong collaboration would be essential to advancing the Department’s mandate. She also asked officials to work collectively, uphold the mandate and support a smooth leadership transition. The Department plays a vital role in advancing national development objectives and improving the lives of South Africans.
“As we welcome the new leadership and appointments, I encourage all officials to work together with commitment and purpose. By supporting one another and focusing on our mandate, we can strengthen the Department and continue improving the lives of the people we serve,” said Minister Pule.