Social Development Minister Zola Skweyiya has opted for retirement over another term in Parliament, the African National Congress said on Wednesday.
"The ANC can confirm that Minister Zola Skweyiya is retiring," said Brian Sokutu, spokesperson for the party which "deployed" Skweyiya to his post.
Skweyiya had been a senior minister for 15 years.
"The ANC wishes him very well in the future," said Sokutu.
This means that Skweyiya will not be among those sworn in as members of Parliament on Wednesday.
Skweyiya will still be on the party's National Executive Committee and remain involved in the work of the organisation.
"The ANC wishes to express its appreciation for Skweyiya's tireless service to the country since he was first elected to Parliament in 1994," the party said.
After being involved in anti-apartheid student politics, Skweyiya went on to be involved with the ANC military wing Umhonto we Sizwe. After the first democratic election in 1994, he was appointed minister of public service and administration.
He was appointed minister of social development in 1999. - Sapa