RAMAPHOSA FIRES NOBUHLE NKABANE: BUTI MANAMELA TAKES OVER HIGHER EDUCATION

In a decisive move to restore integrity within the Department of Higher Education, President Cyril Ramaphosa has fired Minister Nobuhle Nkabane and replaced her with Deputy Minister Buti Manamela. The announcement was made through a short statement from the Presidency on Monday afternoon, bringing an end to weeks of controversy surrounding Nkabane’s conduct and decision-making.

Former KwaZulu-Natal Premier and Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has been appointed as the new Deputy Minister of Higher Education.

Nkabane’s removal comes amid mounting political pressure, following serious accusations of lying to Parliament, defying legislative oversight, and being implicated in irregular SETA board appointments that allegedly involved political patronage.

Nkabane was at the centre of a political storm after it emerged she may have misled Parliament regarding the appointment of a controversial advisory panel for Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards. Several members of the so-called independent panel had direct links to the ANC, raising concerns of cadre deployment and conflict of interest.

To make matters worse, last Friday Nkabane snubbed a scheduled appearance before the Parliamentary Committee on Higher Education, choosing instead to attend a student leadership induction event at Buffalo City TVET College. The meeting was expected to provide clarity on her conduct and the contested appointments. Only two of the five officials she had named as advisors on the SETA process showed up to defend her.

Her absence further frustrated MPs, some of whom called for her to be referred to Parliament’s Ethics Committee. A DA Member of Parliament described her actions as “sheer defiance of Parliament by an ANC minister caught out for brazen cadre deployment, then for lying to Parliament to cover it up, and now the subject of a Hawks investigation.”

In her place, President Ramaphosa has turned to seasoned deputy Buti Manamela, who has long been involved in the higher education portfolio. With years of experience working alongside former ministers and deep familiarity with student issues, Manamela is viewed as a safe and stabilising choice for a department currently facing credibility issues.

Alongside him, the appointment of Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube as deputy brings a mix of administrative strength and leadership acumen. As a former provincial premier and respected public servant, her addition to the department is widely seen as a move to reinforce governance and restore public confidence.

On Monday evening, Nkabane took to social media to thank President Ramaphosa for the opportunity to serve, saying:

“It has been a privilege to lead this most important portfolio, and I’m grateful to the sector and the people of South Africa for their support… I remain committed to the service of our people and the advancement of our country’s development.”

However, the post was deleted shortly afterward, suggesting a tension between her public expression of gratitude and the circumstances of her removal.

Reports from Sunday Times indicate that the ANC’s top six had lost confidence in Nkabane, and concluded that her continued presence in Cabinet was compromising both the party and the credibility of the state.

With opposition parties now demanding deeper investigations and possible charges, Nkabane’s removal may only be the beginning of a broader political reckoning over governance and accountability in the public sector.

For Minister Manamela, the challenge is now to steady a turbulent department. Issues such as NSFAS delays, student accommodation crises, and governance failings in institutions continue to affect thousands of students.

Dr Dube-Ncube, who brings strong leadership credentials and policy depth, is expected to play a critical role in reshaping the department’s strategic direction and ensuring ethical leadership.

As the political dust settles, the focus shifts to whether the new team can rebuild trust, deliver stability, and ensure that South Africa’s post-school education and training system serves the country’s development needs.