Cyril Ramaphosa's bold move: Dismissing Nkabane to secure the Appropriation Bill
Image: GCIS
President Cyril Ramaphosa was compelled to yield to the DA's pressure to dismiss Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane to secure the Appropriation Bill's passage on Wednesday.
Ramaphosa's move comes ahead of the National Assembly's vote on the Appropriation Bill, which allocates funding to each national department.
The DA had threatened to withhold support for Nkabane's departmental budget following allegations of misconduct and misleading Parliament regarding appointments to Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards.
Following Nkabane's dismissal, the DA's spokesperson, Willie Aucamp, confirmed on Tuesday that they would vote with the ANC in every department, paving the way for the Appropriation Bill to pass without major challenges.
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 ✕
The ANC, as well as ministers in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, have found temporary relief after Nkabane's axing.
This follows the DA's confirmation that the party would vote with them for their respective departments but would pursue them over corruption allegations.
'Our caucus met this afternoon, and we have decided that we will support the other departmental budgets. So the DA will support the total budget.
'The axing of minister Nkabane came after relentless pressure from the DA on the president to get rid of the minister.'
However, Aucamp said the party would keep applying pressure on the president to get rid of anybody in his government who is implicated in corruption, either by the Zondo Commission or through the VBS Bank looting scheme.
Outgoing Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane faced intense scrutiny, particularly for her alleged misleading of Parliament regarding the process of appointing the SETA board members.
Image: GCIS
'The DA will keep on doing that, but we will support this budget,' Aucamp said.
The Appropriation Bill requires 201 of 400 votes in the National Assembly. With the DA's support, the Bill is likely to pass without significant hurdles.
Opposition parties, who cited her alleged misconduct and disregard for public service, welcomed Nkabane's removal.
Buti Manamela, one of Nkabane's deputies, has been named the new minister of Higher Education and Training.
Nomusa Dube-Ncube was appointed deputy minister. The ANC expressed confidence in the new leadership to advance access, equity, and quality in the higher education sector.
Ramaphosa has wielded his axe three times in recent days.
Nearly two weeks ago, he suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and placed him on special leave over explosive allegations that he interfered in police work investigations that involved political assassinations.
Mchunu has since denied these allegations, but was succeeded by ANC heavyweight Firoz Cachalia.
On Monday, after Nkabane's dismissal, Ramaphosa also announced the suspension of the South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Andrew Chauke.
Manamela's appointment brought questions within the corridors of Luthuli House as officials once again questioned why Ramaphosa appointed him when he had not done so when he suspended Mchunu, overlooking his two deputies, Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale.
A senior National Executive Committee member said, although it was Ramaphosa's prerogative to pick and choose as to who he preferred, he appeared to be selective and wanted to keep people who were trusted around him.
'Comrades have been talking about it… they say the president should be consistent in his dealings… But I for one think it's a tough decision. We have the SACP (South African Communist Party) having decided to contest the elections… and you have Buti (Manamela) and you want to keep him in the deputy position?... It's impossible.
'The president knows he has to yield to the SACP, and this appointment will quell the tensions we have with the SACP,' the source said.
New Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
Political analyst Sandile Swana said Ramaphosa needed to keep people he trusted close to him because he was on his way out since its his last term.
'How Cyril Ramaphosa removes ministers is largely guided by the balance of forces for the balance of power within the tripartite alliance or the ANC, so he has to make sure that he strengthens those who protect him from any fallout that might occur.
'When he appoints new people, he will want his bodyguards to feel that he is strengthening them. These are people that would be in favour of his faction or to appease a stakeholder base,' he said.
Another political analyst, Professor Sethulego Matebesi, said Ramaphosa's recent removals of high-profile individuals pointed to a significant change in his administration.
'This action might be interpreted as an effort to resolve alleged inconsistencies or disputes within his administration and to consolidate power.
'However, as opposition parties and even some members of his party voice concerns, it also calls into question the ANC's stability and the possibility of internal strife,' he said.
'Ramaphosa's decisions are perceived as being selective, which is important. It seems as if he prefers some individuals over others out of loyalty or conformity,' he said.
mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Economic Freedom Fighters: Celebrating twelve years of radical transformation in South Africa
Twelve years ago, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) burst onto South Africa's political landscape with a promise to transform the country's economic and social order. Founded by Julius Malema and his comrades on July 26, 2013, the party emerged from a deep frustration with the slow pace of change since democracy and the persistence of poverty, inequality, and racial divisions. Their rallying cry was clear: radical economic transformation, land expropriation without compensation, nationalisation of mines and banks, and the eradication of poverty. Speaking at the EFF's 12th anniversary celebrations, Malema painted a vivid picture of how those founding principles remain as urgent today as ever. He reminded the crowd of Khayelitsha's history, founded in 1983 under apartheid as a relocation site for Black people forcibly removed from Cape Town. Despite decades of democracy, Khayelitsha still bears the scars of spatial apartheid: poor infrastructure, inadequate housing, unreliable water, and limited public transport. For many residents, these conditions have become normalised. Malema did not hold back in his criticism of the Democratic Alliance (DA), the party governing the Western Cape. He accused the DA of being a party that protects white privilege and sustains inequality by neglecting townships like Khayelitsha. While affluent suburbs such as Constantia and Clifton enjoy well-maintained roads and services, places like Gugulethu and Nyanga continue to suffer from neglect, overcrowded clinics, and dangerous streets plagued by gang violence. He added that the DA's failure to extend services such as the MyCiTi bus into these areas was described as deliberate exclusion. 'Spatial apartheid continues under their watch,' Malema said, framing the DA's governance as a continuation of apartheid-era divisions. He argued that the DA prioritises the comfort of the elite over the dignity and well-being of the poor majority. The party, he claimed, has no genuine interest in addressing poverty or unemployment, problems that affect over 43% of South Africans and hit the youth hardest. Malema also spoke about the broader economic challenges facing the country, saying that while other nations on the continent experience growth, South Africa's economy is stagnating. He criticised the control that white-owned banks and financial institutions hold over the economy, dictating who can access loans and property, and keeping wealth concentrated in the hands of a few. "At the same time, key state-owned enterprises are being weakened by defunding and attempts to privatise through outsourcing or fragmenting services." He pointed to the gradual dismantling of institutions like Eskom and Transnet, warning that the consequences are dire for the country's development and job creation. The looming debt crisis, with government spending over R420 billion this year just on interest payments, was described as a ticking time bomb that threatens social services such as education, health, and policing. To counter this, the EFF plans to push for laws requiring parliamentary approval of loans from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. The party rejects neoliberal economic policies imposed by these institutions, arguing instead for a state-led developmental model focused on industrialisation and wealth redistribution. The EFF's rise from a small, radical movement into a force that commands respect across South Africa's political spectrum is no accident. Malema stressed that the party has remained true to its revolutionary principles, refusing to become co-opted by establishment politics or elite interests. The EFF's activism spans beyond Parliament, engaging directly with communities through land occupations, supporting workers' rights, and fighting gender-based violence. However, the party's growing influence has unsettled the political establishment. Malema recounted how even international figures have taken notice, including a visit to the White House where former US President Donald Trump played EFF songs 'Kill the boer' as a warning, which he repeatedly sang after concluding his speech. He criticised both the ANC and DA for forming uneasy coalitions motivated by fear of the EFF's growing power. In a pointed attack, Malema said the ANC has become riddled with corruption and tenderpreneurship, while the DA serves to protect white monopoly capital. Yet, both parties are united in their efforts to block the EFF from gaining control in any government. On crime and policing, the EFF expressed support for Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who raised allegations of corruption and criminal syndicates operating within law enforcement. The party insisted on a parliamentary committee to investigate these claims, emphasising the need to clean up police and justice institutions. Looking to the future, the EFF is preparing for the 2026 local government elections with ambitions to govern outright in many municipalities. Malema urged party structures to strengthen grassroots organisation, win wards decisively, and deliver services that the DA has failed to provide. Ending poverty, combatting crime, and ensuring dignity for all remain the movement's key objectives. [email protected]
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
Julius Malema's message to KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi
Malema has urged Mkhwanazi to stand his ground against opposition. EFF leader Julius Malema has affirmed his party's support for KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. This follows Mkhwanazi's media briefing earlier this month, in which he levelled several allegations against police management and the judiciary, among others. Mkhwanazi said an investigation with the Gauteng organised crime investigation unit unmasked a syndicate which involves politicians, law enforcement, metro police, correctional services, prosecutors, the judiciary, and is controlled by drug cartels as well as businesspeople. ALSO READ: Judiciary requests Mkhwanazi to provide evidence of allegations President Cyril Ramaphosa has since announced the establishment of a commission to investigate the allegations, while parliament agreed to establish an ad hoc committee. 'We are Mkhwanazi' Addressing supporters at the EFFTurns12 rally at Khayelitsha Rugby Stadium on Saturday, Malema affirmed his party's support for Mkhwanazi, urging him to stand his ground against opposition. 'Fighters, we are General Mkhwanazi, and General Mkhwanazi is us. We support Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. We are not ashamed of Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi,' said Malema. ALSO READ: Mchunu denies ties to Cat Matlala, as tenderpreneur bust with cellphone in prison 'We are calling on all Mkhwanazis in the police to come out and fight crime and the syndicates that have captured the police and our country. We will not sit back and allow our country to be controlled by drug syndicates. 'To Mkhwanazi, do not be shaken, because if they fire you, there is a position for you in the EFF so that you can continue to fight corruption in South Africa. 'General Mkhwanazi should know that there is only one home for the fearless, and that home is the EFF.' 'Come forward' Malema further assured EFF supporters that the ad hoc committee's investigation will not suffer the same fate as that which investigated the Phala Phala farm robbery. The Section 89 independent panel had found that Ramaphosa may have a case to answer regarding the incident. However, the ANC used its majority in parliament to vote against the adoption of the report. ALSO READ: Senzo Mchunu investigation will take longer to finalise, says Public Protector Malema called on people to come forward with information. 'People must come to parliament and tell us who the drug lords are and who is protecting them, because we need to start fighting drugs. We want to know where the guns come from in the Cape Flats and Khayelitsha,' said Malema. 'You the people know the truth, this is the time and platform to expose the rot. Do not be scared, the killing of our children must be stopped now. Mkhwanazi opened the way, we must join him and restore peace and order in South Africa. 'As long as the EFF is in that committee, we will make sure that this does not become another Section 89 report they brushed aside. Phala phala is not dead, we will find a way to bring it into this committee.' READ NEXT: 'Get your popcorn factory ready' — McKenzie willing to testify at the commission into Mkhwanazi allegations
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
US tariffs threaten local jobs, but we can still be competitive
South Africa will be hit with a 30% tariff on all its exports to the United States from August 1, following a formal letter from US President Donald Trump to President Cyril Ramaphosa demanding action on trade imbalances and long-standing market restrictions. Image: Lee Rondganger/IOL As global trade tensions rise and the possible 30% US tariff could make international markets more volatile, local enterprises in Ekurhuleni can protect local jobs by being globally competitive and regionally focused. South Africa's export sectors, and especially mining and related services, will potentially lose competitiveness in the US should the 30% tariff on South African goods take effect on August 1. When South African goods become more expensive overseas due to a tariff, there is a decrease in demand for our goods. This hits exporters first, and the ripple effects land hard at home. Ekurhuleni is especially at risk – our metropole is the industrial heart of South Africa, with heavy engineering, metal manufacturing, the automotive industry and other similar industries driving local jobs and income. 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 ✕ But rather than retreat, companies based right here in Ekurhuleni can adapt and diversify where possible. Local companies are aware of this threat and are planning their responses. As a local company, we are doing all we can to ensure we continue to deliver on our North American contracts, but also to ensure that we continue to develop avenues into other markets, including the rest of Africa. The foundry has been a vital part of Benoni since its founding in 1937. In such a long time, we have weathered many international storms. With such a long history in Ekurhuleni, our company also knows how valuable jobs and employment are to our community. In times of great volatility, our people-first approach has been a stabilising force, ensuring that workers are supported, retained, and empowered. That's why we must support industrial exporters in our region, from local city councillors to the national government. When we buy local, invest local, and push government to create trade conditions that protect our industries, we help keep factories open and workers employed. In a city built on manufacturing muscle and engineering skill, the fight for fair trade is the fight for our future. We cannot afford to let international tariffs silently steal jobs from our communities. We must recognise, support, and champion the companies that are holding the line. Because the cost of doing nothing is not measured in lost profits, it is measured in lost livelihoods. William Price Ekurhuleni
