President Cyril Ramaphosa fires Higher Education Minister
President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Minister of Higher Education Nobuhle Nkabane from her post.
The president’s office communicated the decision, which ends Nkabane’s brief and controversial tenure in the portfolio.
The announcement came just a day before she was due to appear before Parliament’s higher education committee.
She was going to sit before the committee to account for her role in the appointment of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) board members, an issue that has drawn significant political scrutiny in recent months.
Nkabane’s dismissal follows growing criticism over the SETA board appointment process, which saw several individuals with political ties being appointed.
She had missed two previous committee meetings, prompting frustration from MPs. It remains unclear whether Tuesday’s meeting will proceed as planned.
Ramaphosa appointed Buti Manamela as the new Minister of Higher Education and Training in her place.
Manamela had served as the deputy minister in the same portfolio since the previous administration.
The presidency confirmed the changes in a statement issued late Monday, 21 July, citing Section 91(2) of the Constitution for the ministerial appointment.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has in terms of Section 91 (2) appointed Buti Kgwaridi Manamela, Minister of Higher Education and Training.”
“Manamela was until this appointment serving as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training,” said the presidency.
In a further reshuffle, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, former KwaZulu-Natal Premier and MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, has been appointed as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training.
Her appointment was made under Section 93(b), which allows the President to appoint up to two deputy ministers from outside the National Assembly.
Reacting to her removal, Nkabane released a statement on Monday evening expressing gratitude to Ramaphosa and to the public for the opportunity to serve.
“It has been a privilege to lead this important portfolio, and I am grateful to the sector and the people of South Africa for their support and for allowing me to serve in this capacity,” she said.
“I remain committed to the service of our people and the advancement of our country’s development.”
Earlier in the day, Democratic Alliance MP Karabo Khakhau had called for Nkabane’s removal, citing her lack of accountability over the SETA controversy.
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