Central SA
Higher Education minister removed following allegations of misleading parliament─── REFILWE BEKANE 15:00 Tue, 22 Jul 2025
The president has announced the removal of the minister of Higher Education and Training from her ministerial portfolio.
This significant cabinet change follows a period of intense parliamentary and public debate surrounding Dr Nobuhle Nkabane’s conduct and allegations of misleading the legislature.
In a swift move, Cyril Ramaphosa, exercising his constitutional authority under Section 91 (2), appointed Buti Kgwaridi Manamela as the new minister of higher education and training, according to the press release.
Dr Nobuhle Nkabane. Photo: SA Government
Furthermore, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, a veteran in government leadership, has been named deputy minister of Higher Education and Training, in line with section 93 (b) of the Constitution, which permits the president to appoint up to two deputy ministers from outside the national assembly.
Since her parliamentary appearances and her contentious appointments to Sector Education and Training Authorities (Seta), Nkabane has been under increasing pressure, mostly from opposition parties, to resign.
The DA publicly escalated their grievances last week, filing an additional ethics complaint against the then-minister and referring the matter to the Public Protector.
This action was prompted by fresh revelations suggesting Nkabane had further misled parliament, particularly regarding the composition of a panel tasked with selecting SETA board chairpersons. The immediate aftermath of the announcement saw various political entities weighing in on the reshuffle.
The EFF signalled its continued focus on ensuring the proper allocation and transparent use of government funds within higher education. EFF MP Commissar Sihle Lonzi told SABC News the party is actively exploring or already engaged in strategies to combat corruption within the sector, particularly concerning Setas, aiming to prevent the misdirection of public money.
The UDM Youth Vanguard (UDMYV) issued a statement strongly endorsing Dr. Nkabane's removal, describing it as long overdue.
[WATCH] DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to sack Higher Education and Training Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane. Khakhau says President Ramaphosa has delivered what the people of SA always wanted and that they will not rest until all… pic.twitter.com/WrNTJ3Ko9Y
— SABC News (@SABCNews) July 21, 2025
The DA views Nkabane’s removal as a vindication of their persistent efforts to combat corruption. It says its continued pressure played a pivotal role in this outcome.
The EFF, through its parliamentary representation, continues to emphasise the imperative of financial integrity within the higher education sector, particularly concerning Seta funding, and remains dedicated to exposing and preventing corrupt practices.
The UDMYV welcomes the change as a crucial step toward restoring confidence in the higher education portfolio. It criticises Nkabane’s past conduct, highlighting the importance of transparent and accountable governance for the benefit of South African youth.
