Johannesburg, South Africa – President Cyril Ramaphosa has fired Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, following months of intense public and political pressure over allegations that she misled Parliament regarding the appointment of boards for the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). The move comes just a day before Nkabane was scheduled to face a grilling from Parliament’s higher education committee on the contentious issue.
In a swift move to stabilize the crucial portfolio, President Ramaphosa has appointed the former deputy minister, Buti Manamela, as the new Minister of Higher Education and Training.
The controversy stems from accusations that Nkabane compromised the independence of the panel responsible for recommending SETA board appointments, which allegedly resulted in the placement of several individuals aligned with the African National Congress (ANC). The ongoing saga has cast a shadow over the integrity of the skills development bodies crucial to South Africa’s economy.
The Culmination of Mounting Pressure
Nkabane’s dismissal on Monday evening followed a period of escalating scrutiny. She had previously failed to appear before Parliament’s higher education committee for two consecutive meetings to explain the appointment process. Her scheduled appearance on Tuesday was seen as a final opportunity to account for her actions.
The political pressure reached a boiling point earlier on Monday when the Democratic Alliance (DA) Shadow Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Karabo Khakhau, publicly called for her removal. “If she says that the ANC did not work with her, she must be willing to take the blame alone having master engineered this alone, which is highly unlikely. But the bottom line is that President Ramaphosa must fire her,” Khakhau stated, putting the onus directly on the President.
Reports from the Sunday Times had previously indicated that Nkabane’s position was precarious, suggesting that President Ramaphosa and top ANC officials had concluded that she had compromised both the party and her cabinet role.
New Leadership and a Mandate for Change
In the wake of the dismissal, the Presidency moved quickly to announce the new leadership team. Buti Manamela, who has served as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training since the seventh administration, will now lead the department. His experience within the portfolio is expected to ensure a degree of continuity amidst the turmoil.
To fill the now-vacant deputy minister role, President Ramaphosa has appointed Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube. The Presidency highlighted her extensive experience in government leadership, including her previous roles as the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal and MEC for Co-operative Government and Traditional Affairs. Her appointment was made under Section 93(b) of the Constitution, which allows the President to appoint up to two deputy ministers from outside the National Assembly.
A Dignified Exit Amid Controversy
Upon her removal, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane issued a statement confirming the President’s decision. She expressed her gratitude to President Ramaphosa for the opportunity to serve in his cabinet.
“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,” Nkabane said. “I remain committed to the service of South Africans in the country’s development.”
Looking Ahead: Restoring Trust
With Nkabane’s departure, it remains unclear whether the parliamentary committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday will proceed. The committee was expected to hear not only from the former minister but also from other members of the panel involved in the evaluation and nomination of SETA candidates.
The immediate task for the new minister, Buti Manamela, will be to restore public and political trust in the department. He inherits a portfolio marred by a significant controversy and will be under immense pressure to demonstrate transparency and accountability, particularly concerning the integrity of the SETA appointment processes moving forward. His first actions will be closely watched as he seeks to steer the department out of these troubled waters.