President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, with immediate effect.
Ramaphosa has appointed Nkabane’s deputy, Buti Manamela, as Minister in the portfolio.
This was revealed by the presidency through a statement released on Monday.
“Consequently, President Ramaphosa has in terms of Section 93 (b) of the Constitution appointed Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training.
Dr Dube’s long government leadership experience includes serving as MEC for Cooperative Government and Traditional affairs and Premier of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal amongst other roles.
Section 93 (b) empowers the President to appoint no more than two Deputy Ministers from outside the Assembly,” read the statement.
Nkabane has been embroiled in over the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) board appointments, following complaints by opposition parties that they were dominated by several African National Congress-aligned individuals.
She was expected to appear before the department’s Portfolio Committee on Tuesday, for misleading parliament regarding the SETA appointments.
Meanwhile, Nkabane’s party, the ANC, has welcomed the appointment of Manamela and Dube-Ncube respectively.
“His experience positions him well to lead the transformation agenda in this sector.
His appointment comes at a critical time and is well aligned with the urgent task of consolidating transformation, restoring governance integrity, and revitalising skills development across the sector.
Comrade Dube-Ncube, a former Premier of KwaZulu-Natal and an experienced public servant, brings valuable governance expertise.
Her appointment, under Section 93(b) of the Constitution, enhances executive capacity and reflects confidence in her proven leadership,” said ANC spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri.
In its reaction, RISE Mzansi, welcomed Nkabane’s dismissal, highlighting that she “epitomised political arrogance and showed an unrepentant disregard for what it means to be in service to the people of South Africa.”
RISE Mzansi said it is looking forward to working with the new Minister.
“We trust that Manamela will bring much needed stability and humility to the portfolio, while ensuring that its R142-billion budget contributes to educating and training a new generation of leaders who will create jobs, build the economy and contribute to the intellectual and knowledge base of the country,” said the party’s spokesperson, Mabine Seabe.
