By Johnathan Paoli
Opposition parties have welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to remove Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, saying the move was long overdue and a step toward restoring public trust in government accountability.
Democratic Alliance (DA) national spokesperson and Higher Education Portfolio Committee member Karabo Khakhau hailed Nkabane’s removal as a “stunning blow against African National Congress (ANC) cadre corruption.”
“The departure of Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, after lying to Parliament to cover up ANC cadre deployment, comes after relentless DA pressure. This is a momentous moment for all South Africans,” Khakhau said.
Nkabane’s axing came just a day before she was due to appear before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education to account for the controversial appointment process of Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board chairpersons, a process marred by allegations of cadre deployment and political interference.
Ramaphosa appointed long-serving Deputy Minister Buti Manamela as the new minister, and former KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube as deputy minister under Section 93(b) of the Constitution, which allows the president to appoint two deputy ministers from outside parliament.
Khakhau emphasised that the DA’s ongoing mission was to “rid the Cabinet of corrupt individuals” and restore dignity and honesty to public office.
“One Nkabane does not a renewed ANC make. There is still a very long list of ANC corruption to be eradicated,” she said.
The DA said it would continue to hold ministers accountable and demanded that Nkabane still face the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests for misleading Parliament.
The Economic Freedom Fighters’ Sihle Lonzi meanwhile, described the firing as a victory for parliamentary oversight.
“We have consistently called for Parliament to fulfil its constitutional duty of holding the executive accountable. This is the result of our continued fight and resilience in Parliament,” Lonzi said.
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party’s Mnqobizitha Msezane echoed these sentiments, calling Nkabane’s dismissal “necessary and long overdue.”
He said her refusal to appear before the committee and provide transparent answers about the SETA appointment process, raised serious questions about the so-called Government of National Unity’s governance standards.
Freedom Front Plus MP Wynand Boshoff said Nkabane’s position became “untenable” after she was found to have misled the committee.
“It is unclear where the ANC will deploy her next or whether she was dismissed or forced to resign,” he added.
Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi welcomed the president’s action, saying Nkabane “epitomised political arrogance and showed an unrepentant disregard for public service.”
He called for her to be held accountable even after leaving office.
On Monday evening, Nkabane confirmed her removal and thanked Ramaphosa for the opportunity to serve.
“It was a privilege to lead such a crucial portfolio. I remain committed to the service of our people and the advancement of our country’s development,” she said.
Adding to matters, the African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu welcomed the appointments of Manamela and Dube-Ncube, describing them as “capable and experienced leaders”.
“Comrade Manamela is a seasoned leader with strong ties to the youth and student movement. His appointment is aligned with the urgent task of restoring governance integrity and revitalising skills development across the sector,” Bhengu said.
Nomusa Dube-Ncube, previously appointed to the SETA board before the decision was reversed, also drew criticism.
EFF national spokesperson Sinawo Thambo accused the ANC of “desperately trying to find her a position,” calling her new appointment a reward for loyalty rather than merit.
“She now has two jobs and two incomes as Deputy Minister and a board member at the Industrial Development Corporation,” Thambo said on social media platform X.
However, presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya defended the appointment, stating that Dube-Ncube’s ANC membership does not disqualify her from holding office.
Magwenya added that her position of holding office would not shield for being held accountable by parliament for her involvement in the SETA chairperson appointment scandal.
The new leadership faces the task of steering the department away from scandal and back toward its mandate of delivering responsive, skills-driven post-school education.
The ANC has expressed confidence that Manamela and Dube-Ncube will deliver “access, equity, and quality” in the higher education sector.
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