President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane amid allegations of misleading Parliament. Headlines are ablaze with the news that Ramaphosa fires Nkabane. The cabinet reshuffle, announced hours before the 2025/26 national budget vote, aims to stabilize South Africa’s coalition government.
Nkabane’s Dismissal Addresses Misconduct Claims
Ramaphosa fires Nkabane following accusations that she misled Parliament about Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board appointments. Nkabane claimed an independent panel, chaired by Advocate Terry Motau, handled the appointments. Motau denied involvement, prompting Nkabane’s apology for the misunderstanding. With Nkabane gone, opposition parties criticized the appointments for favoring politically connected individuals.
This move reflects Ramaphosa’s response to demands for accountability within his administration.
Manamela Appointed as New Minister
To replace Nkabane, President Ramaphosa decided to fire her and instead appointed Buti Manamela, former Deputy Minister of Higher Education, as the new Minister. Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube, previously KwaZulu-Natal Premier, now serves as Deputy Minister. Manamela’s promotion signals confidence in his ability to lead the education portfolio during a critical period.
The reshuffle prioritizes stability in a key sector for South Africa’s development.
Timing Aligns with Budget Vote Pressures
Ramaphosa fires Nkabane at a crucial moment for the African National Congress (ANC), which lost its parliamentary majority in 2024 and governs through a coalition Government of National Unity (GNU). The budget vote tests the coalition’s unity, as the ANC requires opposition support to pass the appropriations bill and avoid a government shutdown.
By dismissing Nkabane, Ramaphosa aims to strengthen coalition cohesion and demonstrate a commitment to ethical governance.
Broader Implications for Governance
The decision to fire Nkabane highlights the challenges of managing a coalition government. Political parties have called for further parliamentary scrutiny of Nkabane’s actions, emphasizing accountability in why Ramaphosa decided to fire her. Ramaphosa’s reshuffle seeks to rebuild public trust and maintain stability amid intense political scrutiny.
As South Africa awaits the budget vote outcome, this cabinet reshuffle underscores the high stakes of leadership decisions in a post-majority Parliament.
