Ramaphosa reshuffles higher education leadership after Nkabane's removal
Manamela was serving as deputy minister of Higher Education and Training until this appointment, a role he had held since the 6th administration.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by The Presidency last night.
Consequently, in terms of Section 93 (b) of the Constitution, Ramaphosa has appointed Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube as the deputy minister of Higher Education and Training.
'Dube's long government leadership experience includes serving as MEC for Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs and Premier of the Province of KZN, among other roles,' said The Presidency.
Section 93 (b) empowers the president to appoint no more than two deputy ministers from outside the Assembly.
Last month, Ramaphosa requested that Nkabane provide him with a detailed report on the decorum and substance of her engagement with Parliament. This followed media commentary on her appearance before the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training on May 30.
The minister was seen in a video on social media eating while responding to a question from the chairperson of the Higher Education committee, Tebogo Letsie.
Ramaphosa said at the time that the request for the report was in view of the president's expectation that ministers, deputy ministers and senior executives in the public sector conduct themselves professionally, transparently and cordially when engaging with Parliament and other accountability institutions. – SAnews.gov.za
Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.
Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Patriotic Alliance files charges against Open Chat Podcast for racist remarks
The PA's Liam Jacobs has confirmed that charges have been filed against the hosts of Open Chat Podcast Image: Supplied The Patriotic Alliance has filed criminal charges against Open Chat Podcast hosts Mthokozisi Methula and Sinothando Kama following their racist remarks aimed at the Coloured community. The PA's Liam Jacobs, shared a video in which he can be seen walking into and opening a case at the Brooklyn police station in Pretoria on Wednesday. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The podcast hosts and production team have come under fire after a clip from the original recording went viral. In the clip, which, according to the podcast team, has since been deleted from the recording, the hosts make several racist comments, claiming that not only do Coloured families have sexual relationships with each other (incest), but they also suffer mental issues. "Coloureds apparently chow (have sex with) each other," one of the hosts says. In response, a co-host says, "I do believe that because Coloureds are crazy. The letter sent from the PA's legal team to the podcast hosts Image: Facebook/Patriotic Alliance Meanwhile, the PA's legal team has sent a letter addressed to the hosts. According to the letter, the podcast's team's "brief apology and removal of the offending clip are legally and morally insufficient." The PA also plans to lodge a formal complaint with the SABC, requesting a review of its broadcast contract. The party further states that it will institute proceedings in the Equality Court for unlawful discrimination. "[We will] submit a complaint to YouTube demanding the immediate removal of your podcast episode from the platform," the letter stated. PA leader, Gayton McKenzie took to social media where he condemned the hosts' comments. He said the plan is not to "destroy" the hosts but if nothing is done, the perceptions and narrative created by the podcast will destroy other people's mentality of Coloured people. "It has become too easy to insult Coloured people in this country. It has become too easy to have something to say about Coloured people. People will say things about Coloured people and it's pure racism," McKenzie said. He said racism towards any race group in South Africa is wrong. "Enough is enough," McKenzie said adding that the PA will march - in their thousands - to the various offices where the podcast is recorded as well as those broadcasters where it is aired. He said the party will also take the matter up with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
ANC councillor under investigation for alleged nepotism and corruption in R29bn SANRAL highway project
In June, IOL investigations revealed that Mkhize and his wife, Nkule MaKhuzwayo, were implicated in a separate set of allegations involving payments from Base Major Joint Venture CSC, a Chinese-led consortium working on the N3 upgrade. Image: Facebook / Sanral Msunduzi Municipality politician Sibusiso Mkhize is at the centre of a growing corruption scandal over alleged nepotism, bribery and abuse of power in connection with the R29 billion SANRAL upgrade of the N3 highway between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Mkhize, the long-serving ANC councillor for Ward 14, was appointed by Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla to serve on the Project Liaison Committee (PLC) for the massive infrastructure project, which forms part of the government's Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) initiative. 'Many of his employees are there purely because of nepotism,' a source said. 'This includes his son, Sthabiso Mkhize, and three maternal family members. This favouritism has sidelined poor, deserving, and qualified community members, fuelling widespread frustration and disillusionment.' Local sources also allege the existence of a 'pay-to-work' scheme, where job-seekers are expected to pay bribes of up to R3,000 to be considered for positions on the project. Residents of Mkhondeni and Willowfontein say they fear speaking out, citing Mkhize's alleged connections to influential taxi bosses. There are further claims that a company allegedly linked to Mkhize - via a friend acting as a front -is profiting financially from the highway project, raising serious concerns about conflicts of interest and procurement irregularities. 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 ✕ Allegations that Mkhize enjoys protection from higher municipal authorities compound the community's fears. 'It's a climate of fear; he appears to be shielded by municipal superiors,' one source added. Further concerns involve Mkhize's ownership of a company, allegedly fronted by a friend, which benefits financially from the project, raising serious conflict of interest questions and doubts about ethical governance. In June, IOL investigations revealed that Mkhize and his wife, Nkule MaKhuzwayo, were implicated in a separate set of allegations involving payments from Base Major Joint Venture CSC, a Chinese-led consortium working on the N3 upgrade. One source alleged that bribes exceeding R169,000 were paid into MaKhuzwayo's bank account, with ongoing monthly transfers of R25,000. Evidence suggests illicit dealings between local politicians and a Chinese joint venture, Base Major Joint Venture CSC, which could compromise the integrity of the R29 billion upgrade connecting Durban and Pietermaritzburg. The upgrade, part of South Africa's Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs), aims to alleviate congestion, improve safety, and support economic growth by expanding the freeway from four to six lanes, with plans for eight lanes at key interchanges. The project is expected to create over 33,500 jobs and allocate R8.8 billion to black-owned enterprises. When approached for comment, both Mkhize and his son, Sthabiso declined to respond. Speaker of the Msunduzi Council, Eunice Majola, confirmed that the allegations are under internal investigation. 'The matter was referred to our internal audit for investigation. As the Council, we decided that it should be investigated internally. If the findings of the investigation warrant escalation, then that will happen at that time. For now, we are awaiting the outcome of the internal Audit unit which is investigating the matter into the alleged activities of Mr Mkhize.' Earlier in June, Msunduzi Mayor Thebolla acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but emphasised that Mkhize's role was strictly as a municipal representative. 'He was nominated to the Project Liaison Committee by the municipality, but recent nominations have replaced him,' the mayor clarified. 'These allegations do not reflect well on the municipality.' SANRAL spokesperson Lwando Mahlasela confirmed that the national agency was actively investigating the claims. 'SANRAL takes these allegations very seriously. We are reviewing the situation and will communicate our findings once the investigation is complete.' The N3 project aims to improve transportation infrastructure, foster job creation, and support economic inclusion, but recent revelations threaten to undermine public trust. Some of the opposition parties in the municipalities are calling for urgent intervention. The EFF's member of Council Chuma Wakeni stated, 'The matter has been referred to the ethics committee, but delays are damaging the municipality's reputation. We need decisive action.' The ACDP's Rienus Niemand added, 'The SIU is investigating allegations of a widespread racket involving selling jobs and extortion. 'Low-level jobs are sold at R500, and prices increase with job levels. Several councillors are said to be involved. Niemand called for the "Immediate prosecution of involved individuals, which is essential to restore integrity.' Last month, Thebolla survived an opposition-led motion to investigate his alleged role in maladministration and procurement irregularities. The motion, which was listed under confidential items on the council agenda, draws on claims made by former municipal manager Lulamile Mapholoba during his defence against suspension proceedings early last year. The DA had submitted a motion to Speaker Majola's office earlier this June, calling for a probe into the mayor's conduct. The Speaker indicated the matter would need to be presented to the full council for consideration. In his presentation, Mapholoba accused Thebolla of making unilateral financial and administrative decisions under the city manager's or council's jurisdiction. He allegedly bypassed due processes in decision-making, including the irregular awarding of contracts and authorisations involving municipal funds. IOL Politics
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- The Citizen
Ramaphosa seeks apartheid damages case delay, but victims' families argue perpetrators are dying
The court was told that the government's interest lies in uncovering the truth. President Cyril Ramaphosa has asked the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria to stay a damages case brought by families of victims of apartheid-era crimes. However, lawyers for the applicants have warned that the alleged perpetrators are old and dying. The legal action, initiated by 25 families and survivors of apartheid victims – including relatives of the Cradock Four – seeks R167 million in constitutional damages. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa launches commission of inquiry into apartheid-era justice delays The applicants accuse the government of blocking the investigation and prosecution of murder cases referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Ramaphosa has since established a commission of inquiry chaired by retired judge Sisi Khampepe to investigate the lack of prosecutions. Ramaphosa urges court to delay apartheid damages case On Wednesday, Advocate Timothy Bruinders, representing Ramaphosa and government, argued in court that the commission should be allowed to complete its work before the damages case proceeds. 'There was notice put out by judge Khampepe in which she set out what the progress will be over the next month. 'I think she has just started work on it so it's settled that there is a commission,' he told the court. Bruinders pointed out that both the TRC and the families had previously called for the establishment of such a commission to investigate the apartheid-era crimes. 'The reason for the commission of inquiry is because the facts are as yet unknown,' he said. ALSO READ: Mbeki accused of trying to save his reputation by intervening in apartheid lawsuit Judge Nicolene Janse van Nieuwenhuizen, however, raised a concern about whether it was not the applicants' prerogative to go ahead or withdraw their case. Bruinders responded that the case relied on the commission's findings in order for the court to make a ruling on damages. He argued that former National Director of Public Prosecutions Vusi Pikoli did not provide enough detail to conclude that interference occurred in one of the TRC cases. 'One could conclude from that there was an attempted interference.' Watch the case below: Bruinders added that the government and president sympathise with the families. 'They don't have closure. As they say, the prosecutions haven't happened. 'This is of concern to any government who cares about its citizens and those who died in fighting for what he ultimately sees now in the Constitution.' He emphasised that the government's interest lies in uncovering the truth. 'It is not to fight the families on procedural matters. One can imagine how that would go down politically. I do not think it would go down very well.' Victims' families demand justice Later, Advocate Matthew Chaskalson – representing the families – criticised the government's request to the court to delay the damages case, particularly as it had years to establish the commission. 'The applicants are seeking justice for crimes that were committed 30 and 35 years ago. That's the period we are dealing with. 'The perpetrators of these crimes have either already died or are dying at a rapid rate,' he said, pointing out that most suspects are now likely in their 70s. Chaskalson told the court that the applicants themselves are aging and that some have already died. 'They do not have time to wait indefinitely for the commission of inquiry to report and for relief to be recommended,' the lawyer said, adding that the applicants are entitled to their day in court while they are still alive. He further argued that commissions of inquiry have a tendency to 'drag on and on'. 'It is an extraordinarily optimistic proposition to put forward the idea that this commission will be able to do a thorough job on its investigation and report in four months' time, which is all it has left of the originally six months.' The court has reserved the judgment. NOW READ: Khampepe Commission is the right platform for Mbeki, Mabandla to tell their story, court rules
