In a late-night announcement, President Cyril Ramaphosa reshuffled his cabinet, removing Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane as Minister of Higher Education and Training following mounting pressure over her handling of Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board appointments.
Her deputy, Buti Manamela, has been promoted to minister, while Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube, former KwaZulu-Natal premier, takes over as deputy minister. The changes come just hours before Nkabane was due to appear before Parliament’s Higher Education Committee to account for allegedly misleading lawmakers about an advisory panel overseeing SETA nominations.
Controversy and Accountability
Nkabane faced fierce criticism after snubbing a parliamentary meeting last week and was accused of misrepresenting the role and composition of the SETA nomination panel. The controversy deepened when several ANC-aligned appointments to SETA boards were abruptly reversed, sparking calls for her resignation.
The African National Congress (ANC) welcomed the reshuffle, with national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu calling it a necessary step to “stabilize” the sector.
“We have a new pair of hands at the helm of our higher education system,” Bhengu said in an interview. “Both Manamela and Dube-Ncube are highly capable leaders, and we trust they will restore confidence.”
ANC Backs President’s Decision
Bhengu confirmed the ANC’s leadership was consulted before the reshuffle, emphasizing that accountability processes—including parliamentary ethics investigations—would continue despite Nkabane’s removal.
When asked if the move was linked to the SETA scandal, Bhengu stated, “The president considered multiple factors, including the need to uphold governance standards.” She denied claims that Manamela’s appointment was influenced by alliance politics with the South African Communist Party (SACP), calling such speculation “conspiratorial.”
Wider Cabinet Changes
The reshuffle also addressed other contentious issues, including the establishment of a judicial inquiry into allegations against suspended Police Minister Bheki Cele, who was placed on special leave. Former professor and policy expert Firoz Cachalia will act in the role starting August 1.
Bhengu defended the president’s measured approach, stating, “Due process must be followed. South Africans must allow investigations to proceed without prejudice.”
What’s Next?
Nkabane, who remains an MP, could still face disciplinary proceedings in Parliament and the ANC’s integrity commission. Meanwhile, the new higher education leadership is expected to review SETA appointments and address longstanding governance concerns in the sector.
Political analysts suggest the reshuffle signals Ramaphosa’s attempt to reinforce accountability ahead of the 2026 elections. For now, all eyes remain on whether these changes will translate into tangible reforms.