Ramaphosa Removes Minister of Higher Education Nobuhle Nkabane Amid Corruption Allegations

Strategic Insights -

Nobuhle Nkabane's tenure as Minister of Higher Education and Training has come to an end after she was removed by President Cyril Ramaphosa due to allegations of corruption regarding the appointments of chairpersons to 21 boards. Nkabane had been accused of misleading Parliament and was faced with legal and parliamentary scrutiny over the contentious appointments. She has been replaced by Buti Manamela, who was previously the deputy minister of Higher Education and Training. Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube has been appointed as the new deputy minister.

Key Takeaways:

  • Minister of Higher Education and Training Nobuhle Nkabane was removed by President Cyril Ramaphosa amidst allegations of corruption regarding the appointments of chairpersons to 21 boards.
  • Nkabane was accused of misleading Parliament and faced legal and parliamentary scrutiny over the contentious appointments.
  • She has been replaced by Buti Manamela, who was previously the deputy minister of Higher Education and Training.
  • Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube has been appointed as the new deputy minister.
  • The Seta board chairpersons appointments included ANC members, including Gwede Mantashe's son Buyambo Mantashe, and other contentious appointees like Dube-Ncube and Mike Mabuyakhulu.
  • Nkabane claimed she established an independent panel to assist with the appointments but later revealed she had never formally appointed a chairperson, leading to MPs demanding accountability.
  • Only two of the panel members, advocate Terry Motau SC and Seta director Mabuza Ngubane, testified and confirmed Nkabane's actions misled Parliament.
  • The DA has laid charges against Nkabane under section 26 of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislature Act 4 of 2004.
  • The ANC has welcomed the appointments of Manamela and Dube-Ncube, expressing confidence in their ability to advance access, equity, and quality in the higher education sector.

Statistics:

  • 21 boards had their chairpersons appointed under Nkabane's tenure.
  • 5 panellists were disclosed by Nkabane as assisting with the appointments, but 4 of them denied their involvement.
  • 2 panellists, Terry Motau SC and Mabuza Ngubane, testified and confirmed Nkabane's actions misled Parliament.
  • Section 26 of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislature Act 4 of 2004 has been cited as the charges against Nkabane.
  • Nkabane was appointed as Higher Education and Training Minister on July 3, 2024.

Sources:

  • Presidency: "President Cyril Ramaphosa Announces Changes to the Cabinet"
  • Daily Maverick: "Nobuhle Nkabane Removed as Minister of Higher Education and Training Amid Corruption Allegations"
  • ANC: "ANC Statement on the Removal of Minister of Higher Education and Training Nobuhle Nkabane"
  • DA: "DA Welcomes Removal of Nkabane, Calls for Cleansing of Cadre Deployment in SETAs"