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The Citizen
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Nkabane's dismissal shows performance is finally being prioritised
Poor leadership, policy missteps, and stakeholder neglect made Nkabane's position in higher education untenable. Dr Nobuhle Nkabane at the official launch of the National Skills Fund (NSF) Disabilities Programme Phase I at Blind SA. (Photo by Gallo Images/Fani Mahuntsi) There was little surprise this week when President Cyril Ramaphosa fired higher education and training minister Nobuhle Nkabane as her position became untenable. She misled parliament in a portfolio committee regarding the appointments of the Sector Education and Training Authority board. Her short stint at the helm of one of the most complex and politically sensitive portfolios was also marred by administrative missteps, a breakdown in communication with key stakeholders, and a failure to provide clear, strategic leadership during a critical time for the sector. While Cabinet reshuffles often raise questions about internal party dynamics, this decision appears to have been driven by performance and public outcry, rather than politics. Nkabane inherited a department already under immense strain. South Africa's higher education sector faces a multitude of challenges: from underfunding and student debt to overcrowded institutions and a widening gap between education and employment. ALSO READ: Why the ANC remains a safe haven for corruption Rather than stepping into the role with decisiveness and clarity, Nkabane struggled to manage the operational demands of the department. Her most notable failure was her mishandling of the crisis surrounding the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas). The rollout of a new direct payment system, using third-party service providers, led to widespread delays, disbursement errors, and student protests across the country. Despite repeated warnings from student unions and technical experts, the department failed to take corrective action or adequately communicate with affected students. Nkabane's public appearances during this period often came across as defensive, reinforcing perceptions that she was out of depth. Compounding the Nsfas debacle was a broader failure to engage constructively with the very stakeholders she was meant to lead. Student organisations such as the South African Union of Students accused her of ignoring urgent meeting requests during protest actions. ALSO READ: Parliament concludes Seta panel never existed Several university vice-chancellors also reported difficulty engaging with her office on campus safety, infrastructure development and funding allocations. At a time when decisive leadership and open communication were essential, Nkabane remained inaccessible and silent, allowing tensions to escalate on campuses. Perhaps most telling, however, was her inability to articulate a long-term vision for the department. Her public addresses were laced with vague commitments to transformation and inclusion, but these sentiments were rarely backed by concrete policy or institutional reform. No significant advances were made in addressing curriculum reform, expanding digital access, or tackling the mismatch between higher education output and labour market needs. Her leadership simply did not inspire confidence. In contrast, the promotion of Buti Manamela to the ministerial position represents a return to experience and substance. Having served as deputy minister for several years, Manamela has built a solid reputation for being hands-on, accessible and knowledgeable. ALSO READ: Five things you need to know about the new higher education minister Buti Manamela Ramaphosa's decision to remove Nkabane and elevate Manamela should be viewed as more than a political adjustment – it is a statement about the value of competence in public office. For far too long, Cabinet appointments have been seen as rewards for loyalty rather than results. In this instance, the move suggests a growing recognition that performance must take precedence, especially in departments that impact millions of young South Africans and the future of the country's economy. While this shift is welcome, it must not stop here. The education sector requires leadership that is responsive, accountable and visionary. In firing Nkabane and promoting Manamela, Ramaphosa has taken a step towards restoring integrity and functionality in higher education. The hope now is that this signals the beginning of a broader commitment to putting the right people in the right places – for the right reasons. NOW READ: 'Long overdue' – Opposition parties welcome Nkabane's removal
eNCA
7 days ago
- Politics
- eNCA
Manamela appointed Higher Education Minister
BLOEMFONTEIN - President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Nobuhle Nkabane as Minister of Higher Education. She will be replaced by former Deputy Minister Buti Manamela, while Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube steps in as the new deputy. Nkabane's dismissal follows serious allegations of corruption, linked to the appointment of ANC-affiliated individuals as chairpersons of 21 Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards. Professor Sethulego Matebesi from the University of the Free State says action had to be taken, and believes the decision was long overdue. He added that the damage caused by corruption runs deep and it's time for South Africans to take a firm stand against it.
Eyewitness News
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Angry MPs slam Nkabane for latest snub, call on Ramaphosa to act against her
CAPE TOWN - Embattled Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has again angered MPs after snubbing a crucial portfolio committee meeting in Parliament. MPs from different parties slammed Nkabane for failing to attend the committee meeting on Friday, with calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to take action against her. Nkabane was set to give members another briefing on the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board selection process, which was abandoned after an outcry that the appointees were aligned to the African National Congress (ANC). ALSO READ: Embattled Nkabane justifies snubbing crucial Parliament meeting Minister Nkabane was meant to appear before the higher education portfolio committee on Friday, but she instead decided to attend a student induction and Mandela Day event at a TVET college in East London. Committee chairperson, Tebogo Letsie, rejected her apology. "However, the apology for the meeting on the 18th of July is hereby not acceptable owing to the importance of the meeting." Democratic Alliance (DA) MP, Désirée van der Walt, said that Nkabane and Director-General Dr. Nkosinathi Sishi, must be summoned to appear and the minister must be reported to the president. "And she should be held accountable by the president who appointed her and I think we must write to the president about the minister's behaviour again." Nkabane will now appear on Tuesday next week, as the committee tries to put the SETA board controversy to rest.
IOL News
02-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
DA lodges criminal complaint against Nobuhle Nkabane over alleged deceit
DA Federal Chairperson Helen Zille and DA MP Karabo Khakhau lodged charges at the Cape Town Central police station against Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, accusing her of lying to Parliament about the appointment of ANC-linked individuals to Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane's spokesperson says the DA's decision to lodge a criminal complaint against the Minister appeared to be a tactic aimed at drawing attention away from 'the real work of governance and development'. 'The Minister has consistently acted in good faith and within the bounds of the law,' Nkabane's spokesperson Camagwini Mavovana said. The DA on Tuesday lodged a criminal case against Nkabane, accusing her of lying to Parliament about the appointment of ANC-linked individuals to Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards. DA federal chairperson Helen Zille and DA MP Karabo Khakhau, who serves on the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, lodged the charges at the Cape Town Central police station. Khakhau said the charges relate to Nkabane's alleged deliberate misrepresentation of the appointment process for SETA board members as she had claimed an 'independent' evaluation panel was responsible for the selections. 'She falsely claimed an 'independent' panel made the appointments — including a chair who confirmed he wasn't involved,' said Khakhau. 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 Khakhau accused Nkabane of facilitating 'fraudulent' appointments by misleading the Parliamentary committee, and said the so-called independent panel had included her own Chief of Staff and an ANC Youth League leader. 'Most damningly, she falsely named Advocate Terry Motau SC as the chair of this panel, a claim he has unequivocally denied in writing. He made it clear he had no knowledge of, nor participated in, the process,' she added. In a statement, the DA said: 'This is not a case of poor judgement; it is a flagrant and deliberate attempt to deceive Parliament and the South African people. Minister Nkabane has broken the law and violated her oath of office. The DA will not stand by while ministers who lie, manipulate processes, and protect ANC cronies remain in office.' The party said it would not support the Department of Higher Education and Training's budget while Nkabane remains in office and vowed to oppose all budgets led by ministers 'under criminal investigation for corruption or misconduct'. Zille said the party was taking this step because of President Cyril Ramaphosa's 'inaction' in the face of corruption within the executive. 'We're here today for the simple reason that President Ramaphosa refuses to be as good as his word and act against corruption, act against criminality in our Parliament,' Zille said. 'Serious fraud and the misleading of Parliament are somehow condoned by President Ramaphosa's government. That is an enormous double standard.' Zille described the SETA appointments as a 'blatant lie to a committee of Parliament,' and added that in previous cases, such acts were treated as both fraud and a criminal offence. She said an investigation by Khakhau had revealed that the people responsible for selecting board members included three senior employees from the Minister's department. The DA called on Ramaphosa to act swiftly and remove Nkabane from office, warning that continued inaction would implicate him in enabling corruption. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya did not respond to a request for comment. Mavovana said they note the DA's decision to lodge a criminal complaint against the Minister. "Dr Nkabane's focus remains on delivering tangible outcomes for young people, including today's Budget Vote speech, which outlines strategic investments in skills development, innovation, and inclusive economic growth," Mavovana said. Cape Times
Eyewitness News
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Parly committee concerned about being misled by Nkabane on SETA board selection panel
CAPE TOWN - The portfolio committee on higher education has expressed concern that it was misled by Minister Nobuhle Nkabane about the composition of the panel responsible for selecting Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board members. The committee now wants Nkabane to account before the committee and give further details about the panel that recommended the appointments of politically connected chairpersons of the SETA boards. The committee took the decision on Wednesday after Nkabane finally released the names of the panel she claimed was independent, despite including senior officials from her department. ALSO READ: • Parly committee urged to lodge criminal complaint against Nkabane over SETA board selection panel • DA refers Higher Education Minister Nkabane to ethics committee 'for lying to Parliament' Committee members said the panel members listed in a letter by the minister did not reflect the independence she initially claimed at the last meeting. Committee chairperson, Tebogo Letsie, said this raised serious questions about the transparency and integrity of the appointment process. He said committee members believed they were misled by previous representations and would seek advice on how to deal with Nkabane. "There's a process that must be followed. We must engage with legal on the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliaments and Provincial Legislatures Act where people mislead or lie to Parliament. There's a process that must be followed." Letsie said the committee was also alarmed by the revelation in the minister's letter that the purported chairperson of the panel did not attend any of its meetings, which raised further questions about who chaired the meeting and oversaw the selection of candidates for SETA boards.
