Top 10 stories of the day: Minister Nkabane fired
News today includes President Cyril Ramaphosa has fired Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane from her post.
Meanwhile, City of Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has announced the suspension of the fixed R126 electricity tariff charge until further notice following violent protests in Thembisa on Monday.
Furthermore, the all-conquering Junior Springboks have returned home from Italy where they won the World Rugby U20 Championship on Saturday, by beating their New Zealand counterparts 23-15 in the final..
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Ramaphosa fires Nobuhle Nkabane, appoints new higher education minister
President Cyril Ramaphosa has fired Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane from her post.
Nkabane's axing comes a day before she was set to appear before Parliament's higher education committee to explain the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) board appointment process.
Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane. Picture: Screenshot/ SABC YouTube
She came under fire after being embroiled in allegations of corruption and the illegal appointment of the Seta board, including accusations that she misled Parliament by providing false information about the procedure for appointing Seta chairs — a list dominated by ANC cadres — and about the composition of the panel that made the appointments.
CONTINUE READING: Ramaphosa fires Nobuhle Nkabane, appoints new higher education minister
Jayden-Lee Meek murder: Cracks in mother's version of events surface
The state has highlighted inconsistencies in the version of Jayden-Lee Meek's mother about what happened before her son's body was found.
Bail proceedings resumed at the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court on Monday, where Tiffany Nicole Meek is applying for release from custody.
Tiffany Nicole Meek appears at Roodepoort Magistrate's Court for bail hearing in the murder case of her son Jayden-Lee Meek on 21July 2025. Picture: Gallo Images/Fani Mahuntsi
The 31-year-old was arrested on 11 July in connection with her son's death and faces multiple charges, including murder, crimen injuria, defeating the ends of justice, and attempting to obstruct justice.
CONTINUE READING: Jayden-Lee Meek murder: Cracks in mother's version of events surface
Ekurhuleni mayor to suspend electricity tariff hike after protests in Thembisa
City of Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has announced the suspension of the fixed R126 electricity tariff charge until further notice following violent protests in Thembisa on Monday.
Tensions flared in the township on Monday morning as residents protesting steep electricity costs clashed with police, who responded by firing rubber bullets to disperse the crowds.
Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza. Picture: Gallo Images/Luba Lesolle
Addressing residents outside Rabasotho Community Hall, Xhakaza expressed relief that the protests had not resulted in any reported injuries.
CONTINUE READING: Ekurhuleni mayor to suspend electricity tariff hike after protests in Thembisa
Gigaba set for PhD after airing of ex-wife's explosive tell-all episode on 'Untied'
Just a week after his ex-wife Norma Mngoma's explosive episode was screened on Showmax's Untied, Member of Parliament Malusi Gigaba was announced as among the 2 163 graduates at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) winter graduation ceremony.
The institution's graduation ceremony is being held between 16-31 July, and Gigaba will be conferred with a PhD.
Malusi Gigaba at his graduation ceremony. He was conferred with a PhD from the University of Johannesburg Picture: @go2uj/X
Gigaba holds a Bachelor of Pedagogics in Education from the University of Durban-Westville, where he studied from 1989 to 1990. He obtained a Master of Arts Degree in Social Policy from the same university from 1992 to 1994.
CONTINUE READING: Gigaba set for PhD after airing of ex-wife's explosive tell-all episode on 'Untied'
U20 champions of the rugby world, Junior Boks are back in SA
The all-conquering Junior Springboks have returned home from Italy where they won the World Rugby U20 Championship on Saturday, by beating their New Zealand counterparts 23-15 in the final.
Kevin Foote's team went unbeaten in the tournament. They recorded good wins against Australia, England and Scotland in pool play and then triumphed against Argentina in the semi-finals.
Junior Boks captain Riley Norton shows off the U20 Championship trophy to fans at OR Tambo International airport on Monday. Picture: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
It was South Africa's first win at under-20 level in 13 years.
CONTINUE READING: U20 champions of the rugby world, Junior Boks are back in SA
Here are five more stories of the day:
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IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Nobuhle Nkabane dismissal: Parliament confirms no independent panel existed for SETA board appointments
Former Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, who was dismissed amid controversy over ANC-linked SETA board appointments. Image: GCIS The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has found that no formal panel was involved in appointing Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board chairpersons, contradicting claims by former Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane. This development comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed Nkabane on Monday. Ramaphosa appointed her deputy, Buti Manamela, as the new Minister of Higher Education and Training, and announced Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube as deputy minister. The cabinet reshuffle follows growing scrutiny of Nkabane's role in what MPs have described as a misleading explanation to Parliament about the SETA board appointment process. The appointments included individuals closely linked to the African National Congress (ANC), such as Buyambo Mantashe, son of Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, and Dube-Ncube. The Department of Higher Education and Training briefed the committee on the existence of an 'independent panel' allegedly responsible for selecting and recommending SETA board appointments. Nkabane previously told MPs that the panel was chaired by Advocate Terry Motau, who later denied any involvement. Other individuals named as panel members included Nkabane's chief of staff Nelisiwe Semane and adviser Asisipho Solani. Both initially failed to attend a previous meeting but were present at the latest hearing. Deputy Director-General Rhulani Ngwenya and Director-General Nkosinathi Sishi were also absent in the previous meeting, but attended the latest session. All the alleged panelists denied participating in the selection or appointment of the now-reversed SETA board members. They told MPs there was no formal meeting or discussion held regarding the appointments. Ngwenya, who was listed as the panel's secretary, admitted she never convened any meetings, set agendas, or recorded minutes. 'I viewed this as an assignment of duties rather than a formal appointment and did not deem it necessary to formally accept it in writing,' she said. 'I was neither compensated nor remunerated for my role.' Semane said that although her name appeared on the minister's list of panel members, she only participated in selecting SETA accounting authorities - not board chairpersons. 'The minister's list of panel members was all-inclusive and did not distinguish between those involved in different selection processes,' she said. 'I was not paid any additional remuneration for my role in recommending accounting authorities.' Solani, who was Nkabane's adviser, also denied orchestrating the appointment process. 'I confirm that I did not receive any payments, allowances, or investments in this matter,' he said. Sishi distanced himself further, saying that while he supported the idea of appointing chairpersons, legislation did not permit him to do so. 'I only saw the list of chairpersons at the same time as everyone else during a meeting with the National Skills Authority… I had no prior knowledge of who would be on that list.' The trio emphasised that the panel never convened and they had no insight into how the names were selected. Committee Chairperson Tebogo Letsie said testimonies confirmed that the panel never existed. 'It's clear the intention was there, but this process was never formalised,' Letsie said. 'The minister had every right under Section 111A of the Skills Development Act to make appointments. She could have simply said she was taking responsibility and restarting the process.' Letsie said the committee would draft a preliminary report and may offer Nkabane a chance to respond. He also questioned the usefulness of relying on a non-legislated process like an 'independent panel.' 'There was never a panel that was set…We are going to continue addressing these administrative issues with the department.' IOL News earlier reported that MPs were considering summoning Nkabane, now a private member, to explain why ANC-linked individuals were appointed to the controversial boards. Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) MP Sanele Zondo said it was unfair to block members from raising concerns. 'There was a public outcry over inconsistencies and flawed processes. We are trying to determine whether she lied under oath or misinterpreted the facts,' Zondo said. The Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Karabo Khakhau demanded access to the legal opinion guiding the committee's decision-making. 'Once we all have that, I'll call for a caucus break so parties can consult their legal teams,' she said. 'There's nothing stopping us from engaging Solani, Ngwenya, and the others - or from calling Nkabane to appear again.' DA MP Désirée van der Walt added: 'Everyone summoned appeared based on their role. We're not going to let this go.' Patriotic Alliance (PA) MP Ashley Sauls agreed that Nkabane must be held accountable. 'The question is whether that accountability should continue in this committee. There are other parliamentary processes where she can appear,' Sauls added. [email protected] IOL Politics
Mail & Guardian
5 hours ago
- Mail & Guardian
DA to support departmental budgets after Nobuhle Nkabane's axing
Fomer minister of higher education Nobuhle Nkabane. (@Dr_NohbuleN/X) President Ramaphosa's office After failed negotiations with small parties, including The DA, which had withheld its support for the budget in protest over corruption-accused ministers such as Nkabane and Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane staying in their posts, confirmed on Tuesday that it would now vote in favour of the Bill on Wednesday. 'The Democratic Alliance will support the 2024-25 Appropriation Bill following the president's decision to dismiss Minister Nkabane after sustained DA pressure. This decision is the crucial first step in holding compromised ministers accountable,' party leader John Steenhuisen said in a statement. 'We had earlier announced our intention to withhold support for the budgets of ministers implicated in wrongdoing unless dismissals occurred, and we also laid fraud charges against Minister Nkabane … These were not symbolic actions, they were principled stands backed by real consequence, and we will see these actions through to its conclusion.' The DA was particularly angry after Ramaphosa dismissed its deputy trade and industry minister, Andrew Whitfield, for travelling to the United States without permission, in what the president said was a contravention of cabinet protocols. The DA accused Ramaphosa of double standards, arguing that there had to be uniformity in how executive misconduct was handled. It said Whitfield's dismissal could not be justified while Nkabane, accused of lying to parliament and shifting blame onto senior officials, remained in office, and that it would continue to put pressure on the president to remove compromised leaders from cabinet. 'There are still individuals in the executive facing serious allegations. If the president is serious about restoring public trust, he must act decisively and consistently, not only when under pressure,' Steenhuisen said on Tuesday. The DA's position had the leading party in the coalition government scrambling over the weekend to secure enough votes to pass the Appropriation Bill. On Sunday, ANC secretary general 'The engagement will be one with political parties … in terms of making sure that we pass the Appropriation and get the budget across,' he said. But by that point, the DA had made clear that no amount of dialogue would sway its stance without action on errant ministers. On Tuesday Steenhuisen said the ANC — which had to form the unity government after losing its parliamentary majority in last year's general elections — must accept 'that it no longer governs alone'. 'In a coalition, meaningful consultation with partners is not optional. It is essential to rebuild public confidence and ensure accountable governance. We will continue to engage the GNU parties in good faith to stop corruption and drive delivery in government,' he said. 'While long overdue, the removal of Minister Nkabane confirms that pressure from the DA within the government of national unity is yielding results … The DA will not allow compromised individuals in the executive to paralyse government or harm the people of this country. 'We will use every tool at our disposal in parliament and in government to protect public money, defend the Constitution, and ensure that ethical, accountable leadership becomes the norm, and that this dismissal is not the exception.' This suggests the DA will continue pressing for the dismissal of Simelane — who was implicated in the looting of the now collapsed VBS Mutual Bank — and that of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu if ongoing investigations confirm that he is Mchunu says he is innocent of any wrongdoing. The call for Mchunu's head was echoed by uMkhonto weSizwe party's chief whip, Colleen Maluleke, who accused Ramaphosa during a media briefing on Tuesday of being hypocritical by firing Nkabane while only suspending the police minister. Meanwhile, ActionSA, which is not in the GNU, confirmed that it had been approached by the ANC to back the budget. Chairperson Michael Beaumont criticised what he called the ANC's inconsistent approach to coalition governance, saying its failure to adequately work with ActionSA showed it did not consider the party a potential partner. He said ActionSA had taken a position based on fiscal responsibility and would not be pressured into supporting a budget that did not meet its conditions. 'We're only going to support Bills that make sense, not because we are pressured into it. As it stands, there is no agreement between us,' he said. Build One South Africa leader He said the priority was to ensure that the budget was passed while continuing to advocate for long-term reform. 'South Africa needs urgent reforms. But in the meantime, we have to pass this budget to keep departments running,' Maimame said. Wednesday's Appropriation Bill vote follows the earlier passing of the Division of Revenue Bill, which sets out how funds are shared between national, provincial and local governments. The Appropriation Bill allocates specific amounts to each department. Legal advice received by Maimane's committee last month indicated that if even one departmental vote fails, the entire Appropriation Bill process cannot proceed. This created urgency in the ANC to ensure majority support.
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
Nkosinathi Sishi defends against accusations in SETA board chair appointments controversy
Higher Education Department Director-General Nkosinathi Sishi says he is unfairly placed in a position where not even the slightest indication by those who were involved includes him in what they say about SETA board chairpersons' appointments. Image: Department of Higher Education Higher Education Department Director-General Nkosinathi Sishi on Tuesday bitterly complained about being unfairly implicated in the work of the panel that recommended cancelled appointments of chairpersons of Sector and Education Training Authorities (SETAs) boards. This is after ANC MP Tshepo Louw said Sishi must be brought to book for misleading Parliament when the Higher Education Portfolio Committee interrogated officials who were part of the panel, but could not attend the meeting last Friday. Sishi was on the hot seat after the ANC failed in its push to quash the investigation because former minister Nobuhle Nkabane was no longer a minister, but in a vote by MPs, it was decided that officials testify and Nkabane be summoned to give her side of the story. Louw highlighted that Deputy Director-General Rhulani Ngwenya deposed a statement that following consultation between Sishi and Nkabane, a decision was taken to relocate the responsibility of managing nominations for non-executive board members of entities to her directorate. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ He insisted that Ngwenya had indicated that Sishi was quite informed and involved in the process. 'I conclude that part of the problems at the department is the DG, who had a duty to advise and play an administrative oversight role,' he said. In response, Sishi asked for protection from committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie. He stated that it was implied he may have influenced certain officials to miss the previous meeting while he was out of the country and someone else was acting in his position. Sishi said even though Ngwenya apologised for the confusion over the cancellation of the committee meeting, no apology was made to him. 'Some members of this committee have tried to move out from the purpose of the questions to try to suggest I was involved, or I might have participated. I have indicated consistently all the time I have been here that I really would like to appoint chairpersons … but the law does not allow me to do so.' He said that on the day he saw the list of chairpersons to be appointed, he was with everybody else. 'There was absolutely no time to intervene at that stage. I feel I am unfairly placed in a position where not even the slightest indication by those who were involved includes the DG in what they say, but some people want to include the DG. I think it is unfair,' Sishi said. Earlier, Sishi indicated that he never saw the list of preferred candidates nor received an email other than when it was tabled at a meeting with the National Skills Authority. 'I never even knew who would eventually be on that list. I accepted that the law does not allow me to appoint a board chair. If we were to be part of the panel, it would be at the discretion of the accounting authority,' he said. Testifying before the committee, chief of staff Nelisiwe Semane, ministerial advisor Asisipho Solani, and Ngwenya denied being involved in the work of the panel despite being named by Nkabane as panellists. Semane said her name appeared on the list because Nkabane submitted a list that includes all the panels that she appointed since taking office. 'I did not participate in the selection and recommendation of SETAs accounting authority chairpersons but participated in the process for the recommendation of SETAs accounting authorities and not board chairpersons,' she said. Ngwenya said she was appointed to provide secretarial support to the panel. 'I viewed this as an assignment of duties rather than a formal appointment, and as such, did not deem it necessary to formally accept the assignment in writing,' she said. Solani, who was assigned to the nomination committee, said: 'I discharged this role in my capacity as advisor to the minister and no compensation beyond my regular salary was provided.' The trio said the panel never convened any formal meeting and was not aware how the names of recommended chairpersons came about. Sishi said it was very clear from what the officials were saying that there weren't any meetings that were held. 'Clearly, the names considered could have come from the accounting authority, who produced the list tabled to the National Skills Authority,' said Sishi. Letsie said it was clear from the testimonies by the officials that there was never a panel for SETA boards. 'Maybe, there was an intention to have a panel. Maybe it was not implemented in the true sense of the word,' he said. 'This thing could have been easily avoided. If there was no panel, there was no need to say there was a panel,' added Letsie.
