Following her axing, Nkabane issued a brief statement on Monday, 21 July, thanking President Cyril Ramaphosa for the opportunity to serve in his Cabinet.
“It has been a privilege to lead this important portfolio. I am grateful to the sector and the people of South Africa for their support and for allowing me to serve in this capacity,” she said.
Nkabane closed her message by reaffirming her commitment to public service and the advancement of South Africa’s development.
Nkabane’s axing comes amid mounting calls for her removal from political parties and education stakeholders, who accuse her of trying to appoint ANC-linked individuals to key roles within Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), through dodgy processes.
NOBUHLE NKABANE FIRED AS MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION
According to a media statement from the Presidency, Buti Kgwaridi Manamela has been appointed the new minister of Higher Education and Training. He previously served as deputy minister in the same department.
Ramaphosa also appointed Nomusa Dube-Ncube as the new deputy minister. Dube-Ncube previously served as premier of KwaZulu-Natal and MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
“Section 93 (b) empowers the president to appoint no more than two deputy ministers from outside the [National] Assembly,” the statement said.
