Latest news with #HigherEducationandTraining
IOL News
12 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
New minister Bhuti Manamela brings nothing new
Western Cape High Court Judge President Nolwazi Penelope Mabindla-Boqwana conducts the swearing-in of newly-appointed Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela. Image: Kopano Tlape | GCIS NEWLY-APPOINTED Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela's track record contradicts his party, the ANC's claim that his leadership will advance access, equity, and quality in the higher education sector. He has been the higher education and training deputy minister for almost 10 years and it's safe to say that he watched the collapse of entities such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). He was at the helm when poor students were forced to sleep rough on the floor of administration buildings because NSFAS failed to pay for their accommodation. He watched students being attacked by police with stun grenades and tear gas when they demanded to be registered. Manamela had the power to distance himself from his boss, the outgoing Nobuhle Nkabane when she misled Parliament on the controversial appointments of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) board members, which included Buyelembo Mantashe, the son of Nkabane's former boss and Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe. We can go on and on about instances where Manamela chose to take the backseat while Rome was burning, literally. To expect South Africans to believe that he is the right person to turn that ministry's fortunes around is wishful thinking at best or insulting people's intelligence at worst. 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 ✕ How do we expect a person who was part of the problem to be responsible for solutions? What his appointment signals is an attempt by the ANC to appease the SACP, Manamela's political home, which intends contesting next year's local government election in protest of the ANC governing with the DA in the so-called Government of National Unity. It's also to stabilise the fractured relations between the ANC and the DA coalition. If not, then why has Ramaphosa not fired other ministers implicated in serious corruption allegations? Nkabane's departure was long overdue. Her arrogance was the true reflection of what the ANC has become. No wonder voters continue rejecting it at the polls. The party's continued lip service to ethical leadership that is grounded in truly addressing the pressing needs of the majority of people of this country will see it lose the little power it still has on some of the key metros in the 2026 local government elections. Last year's national elections were just the beginning of an end. CAPE TIMES
The South African
14 hours ago
- Politics
- The South African
New Higher Education and Training Minister and Deputy sworn in
Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, was sworn in as Minister of that portfolio in Cape Town on Tuesday afternoon. During the same ceremony, former KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, was sworn in as his deputy. WATCH | Deputy Minister of Higher Education Nomusa Dube-Ncube's home TORCHED The swearing-in ceremony was held at Tuynhuys in the presence of President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile. Manamela and Dube-Ncube were appointed following the removal of Dr Nobuhle Nkabane from the role of Minister and Higher Education and Training on Monday evening. Dube-Ncube was appointed in terms of Section 93 (b) of the Constitution, which allows the President to appoint no more than two Deputy Ministers from outside the National Assembly. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Nomusa Dube-Ncube's remarkable return to the national Cabinet as deputy minister
Former KwaZulu-Natal premier Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube's political career has been revived following her appointment to the national Cabinet on Monday. Image: Supplied Former KwaZulu-Natal premier Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube's political career appears to be on the rise again following her appointment to the national Cabinet as Higher Education and Training deputy minister. After dismissing Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, the troubled minister of Higher Education and Training, on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa once again looked outside the National Assembly for a replacement. Buti Manamela, who had been the deputy minister for the same department for years, was promoted to the full ministerial portfolio for the first time in his life and was announced alongside Dube-Ncube. She was also appointed to chair one of the Sector Education and Training Authority boards; however, after revelations that Nkabane had lied about the independence of the panel, her name and other ANC members were withdrawn. Dube-Ncube, with her vast governance experience, was almost written off politically when the ANC, under Siboniso Duma and Bheki Mtolo as chairperson and secretary, respectively, placed her at number 31 on the party's members list to the provincial legislature last year. This meant that if she made it back to the legislature, she would have moved from the front row to the back seat of the chamber, let alone not even getting a Cabinet position. Although not guaranteed, MEC positions are usually allocated to the top 10 list members. The first-ever woman premier of the province was also not on the province's national list, which would have taken her to Parliament at least as a backbencher. With ANC getting only 14 seats after last year's general elections, Dube-Ncube went into political wilderness until the national party leadership reconfigured the provincial executive committee, removing both Mtolo and Duma from their positions of power. She was appointed to the provincial task team's top five, taking the deputy coordinator's position, which is equivalent to the deputy secretary's. Dube-Ncube, who had served in several departments as an MEC, was appointed to the premiership after Sihle Zikalala resigned following his political defeat by Duma in a chairmanship contest in 2022; however, rumours of her ill-treatment emerged. There have been rumours of a rift between her and ANC KZN chairperson Duma, and people have been accusing the ANC chairperson of being a shadow premier of the province. The big outcry, which saw the ANC Women's League intervene, was during the World Cup tour in Durban when the Springboks' Eben Etzebeth lifted the Webb Ellis Cup with Duma, instead of the premier, as the programme director had announced. In a hard-hitting statement issued then, the Women's League lambasted Duma, calling on the leaders to uphold the values of non-sexism and gender equality. The league said gender equality was not an ideal but a fundamental principle that the ANC identifies with, saying the actions of Duma demonstrated a regrettable departure from this essential value. [email protected].
IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
President Cyril Ramaphosa reshuffles cabinet: Dr Nobuhle Nkabane dismissed as Minister of Higher Education
A Cabinet reshuffle by President Cyril Ramaphosa sees Nomusa Dube-Ncube emerge as the new deputy minister of Higher Education Image: Tumi Pakkies / Independent Newspapers IN A sudden shake up of his cabinet, President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed the controversy-plagued Dr Nobuhle Nkabane from her position as Minister of Higher Education and Training. The change comes after ongoing scrutiny of Nkabane's decision-making and higher education policies, in light of the government's intentions to bolster that sector of education. Nkabane's replacement is Buti Manamela, who served as the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology since October 2017, and previously held the position of Deputy Minister in the Presidency from 2014 to 2017. This move is seen as a strategic step to ensure continuity while leveraging Manamela's experience to navigate the complexities of the higher education landscape. To further bolster the ministry, the president appointed former KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube as the Deputy Minister. Dube-Ncube brings a wealth of knowledge and political savvy having previously served as the MEC for Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs. 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 Presidency praised Dube-Ncube's extensive credentials, highlighting her commitment to public service amidst a challenging political climate. The statement from the Presidency read, 'Section 93(b) empowers the President to appoint no more than two deputy ministers from outside the assembly,' which underscored the government's strategic approach to enhancing leadership within the department. As these ministerial changes unfold nationally, tensions within the governing alliance (the Government of Provincial Unity) appear to be on the rise in KwaZulu-Natal. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has pledged to defend the provincial government's recent decision to place the struggling ANC led Umkhanyakude District Municipality under administration, during a media briefing session yesterday. This controversial intervention comes despite accusations from the ANC that the IFP had of politicised the restructuring of local governance. Both the IFP and ANC are members of the GPU. President of the IFP in KZN, Velenkosini Hlabisa, refuted claims from the ANC that the provincial government's actions were politically motivated, instead insisting that the decision was based on objective financial assessments given the municipality's unfunded budgets and poor audit outcomes. "This is not a political intervention; this is a Cabinet decision. "As long as municipalities are passing unfunded budgets, Section 139 will apply," Hlabisa stated during a media briefing. Section 139 of the country's Constitution empowers the provincial executive to intervene in a municipality, when they fail to fulfill their obligations. KZN's Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, echoed this sentiment, citing that a unanimous decision was made within the Cabinet that included MECs from the ANC, thereby dispelling notions of targeted political actions towards ANC municipalities. The ANC has vehemently opposed the administration of the Umkhanyakude District Municipality, labelling it a politically charged decision lacking justification. A statement from the party (ANC) expressed their determination to challenge the intervention, calling for unity among supporters and communities to safeguard municipal governance against what they term an "opportunistic" political maneuver. The ongoing conflict between the ANC and IFP has raised concerns about the possibility of instability in a province already known for its complex political dynamics. As tensions rise, all eyes are on the implications of these developments for the governance of KZN, a province crucial to the broader national political landscape. DAILY NEWS
The South African
a day ago
- Politics
- The South African
Nobuhle Nkabane: Ramaphosa should've axed Mchunu too
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) says the dismissal of Nobuhle Nkabane as the Minister of Higher Education and Training is a step in confronting the corruption and deceit that defined her short tenure. On Monday, 21 July, Ramaphosa fired Nkabane and appointed her deputy Buti Manamela as the Minister of Higher Education and Training while former KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube was appointed the new deputy. Nkabane made headlines recently for appointing people politically connected to her party, the African National Congress (ANC), as chairpersons of the SETA boards irregularly. To make matters worse, at least four individuals whom Nkabane had claimed were part of the independent panel that appointed the chairpersons accused the former minister of lying and distanced themselves from the process. The South African previously reported that the appointments sparked public outrage as the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe's son, was also among those appointed by his former deputy, Nobuhle Nkabane. Eventually, Nkabane withdrew the appointments and reopened the process. However, the Democratic Alliance (DA) had already opened a case against her, accusing her of lying to Parliament. Reacting to the dismissal, the EFF said if Ramaphosa was genuine about his anti-corruption stance he would have also dismissed the Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu who is on special leave following allegations of corruption and political interference in police investigations. The party said instead, Mchunu remains protected and is receiving a full salary 'which is a clear sign he serves a role in preserving the interests of the criminal syndicate operating within the state'. 'This protection is possible only because Ramaphosa himself is deeply compromised, leading a regime that uses state machinery to protect allies and suppress accountability,' the party said. Furthermore, the EFF said the appointment of Nomusa Dube-Ncube as Manamela's deputy is not based on competence and is another clear indication that Ramaphosa is not serious about accountability or reform. The EFF said Dube-Ncube is also a controversial figure who was irregularly appointed by Nobuhle Nkabane to a SETA board and is now being rewarded with a senior government position. 'Her undeserved presence in the IDC board and past political roles showcase the fact that she has long been embedded in ANC patronage networks. This appointment is therefore not based on competence but on loyalty as another ANC crony is elevated to continue the cycle of misgovernance.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
