Ramaphosa fires Nkabane as minister of higher education over SETA boards debacle

Nobuhle Nkabane’s firing follows months of controversy over the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) board appointments that saw several African National Congress (ANC)-aligned individuals appointed.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has fired Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane.

Nkabane’s firing follows months of controversy over the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) board appointments that saw several African National Congress (ANC)-aligned individuals appointed.

Her axing also comes a day before she was set to appear before Parliament’s higher education committee to explain the SETA board appointment process after failing to appear in the last two committee meetings.

Minister Nkabane on Monday evening issued a statement confirming her removal as higher education minister.

In the statement, Nkabane thanked President Ramaphosa for entrusting her with the responsibility to serve as minister of higher education.

She said it was a privilege to lead such a crucial portfolio and she remained committed to the service of South Africans in the country’s development.

The Democratic Alliance (DA)’s Karabo Khakhau had earlier on Monday called for her removal.

It is not clear whether the committee will move forward with its meeting on Tuesday, where Nkabane was set to appear, alongside other members of the panel who were involved in the initial evaluation and nomination of candidates to be SETA chairpersons.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela has been appointed as the new minister.