Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor.
In a statement issued on his behalf, he said Pandor would hold the position until the vacancy was filled.
Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma resigned from her position last month to head up the African Union commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Zuma wished her well in her new position and said she had served the country with distinction.
"I wish to thank Dr Dlamini-Zuma most sincerely for the remarkable contribution that she made in the work of Parliament as a Member of the National Assembly, and the lasting impact she made in the national executive as a minister in different portfolios since 1994." – Sapa