Nobuhle Nkabane fired as Higher Education Minister

by Nomonde Simelane

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Buti Manamela as the new Minister of Higher Education after kicking Nobuhle Nkabane to the curb.

Nkabane’s dismissal comes in the midst of some immense controversy, as she faces allegations of corruption over the appointment of 21 Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board chairpersons.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Dr Nobuhle Nkabane from the role of Minister of Higher Education and Training and has, in terms of Section 91 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, appointed Mr Buti Kgwaridi Manamela, Minister of Higher Education and Training. Mr Manamela was, until this appointment, serving as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, a role he held from the 6th administration,” reads a statement made by the presidency.

According to some members of the public, the president’s decision to axe Nkabane does not come as a surprise. It has also been welcomed by some opposition parties including Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

Apart from the allegations of corruption, Nkabane had also garnered some backlash for allegedly misleading parliament when she stated that an independent panel chaired by Advocate Terry Motau oversaw the SETA appoints. When Advocate Motau denied these claims and the public disapproved of her behaviour, calls for her sacking began to grow louder.

It appears that her removal from the ministry is not enough for some political parties and members of the public, as they believe she still needs to account for lying in parliament.

Furthermore, some citizens have applauded President Cyril for taking this decision. However, others expressed that the same needs to happen to Senzo Mchunu, who has similarly found himself in the midst of some serious allegations and has currently been placed on leave of absence.

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