South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane following serious allegations of misconduct tied to board appointments.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), a major coalition partner, accused Nkabane of stacking boards of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) with individuals linked to the ruling ANC and of misleading Parliament about the process .
The conflict intensified in recent weeks.
After refusing to appear before a parliamentary committee and claiming that an independent panel handled the appointments, Nkabane later withdrew several appointments after President Ramaphosa summoned her.
Among those removed was Buyambo Mantashe, son of a senior ANC official, and others with close party ties .
She also issued an apology to the panel’s chair, Advocate Terry Motau, who had denied any role in the selection process .
The DA had threatened to withhold its support for budget votes for the higher education and human settlements departments unless action was taken.
With a key Appropriation Bill debate looming midweek, Ramaphosa’s decision aimed to resolve mounting tensions within the coalition .
The president wasted no time appointing a replacement.
Deputy Minister Buti Manamela, a long‑standing member of the higher education portfolio, takes over. Nomusa Dube‑Ncube, former premier of KwaZulu‑Natal, has been named deputy minister .
In her resignation announcement, Nkabane expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve but reaffirmed her commitment to South Africa’s education objectives .
This swift cabinet change seeks to calm internal party divides and secure backing for the national budget vote slated for Wednesday.