Ramaphosa Shakes Up Higher Education Leadership Amid SETA Board Controversy
Natalie Nyathi
President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Nobuhle Nkabane from her position as Minister of Higher Education and Training, appointing Buti Manamela, formerly the deputy minister, to take her place. This decision comes amid a growing scandal surrounding the appointments of individuals to the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) boards, with allegations of political influence and impropriety.
The Presidency announced the changes on July 21, 2025, citing constitutional authority for the appointments. In a further reshuffle, former KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has been appointed as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training. This section of the Constitution allows the President to appoint up to two deputy ministers from outside the National Assembly.
Nkabane’s dismissal follows months of controversy over the SETA board appointments, with accusations that several individuals aligned with the African National Congress (ANC) were favored. She was scheduled to appear before Parliament’s higher education committee to discuss the issue but had missed the previous two meetings.
Nkabane had previously apologized for incorrectly naming a senior judge as the chair of the panel overseeing the SETA appointments. The recommended appointments, which included the son of a prominent ANC politician, were withdrawn in May due to public outcry and allegations of corruption.
In a statement after her removal, Nkabane thanked President Ramaphosa for the opportunity to serve and expressed her commitment to the development of South Africa.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) had been vocal in calling for Nkabane’s removal, with DA MP Karabo Khakhau stating that she should take responsibility for the problems surrounding the SETA appointments.
Buti Manamela, the new Minister of Higher Education and Training, has served as Deputy Minister in the same portfolio since 2017. He has also served as Deputy Minister in the Presidency and has been a Member of the National Assembly since 2009. The ANC has welcomed his appointment, highlighting his experience and connections to the youth and student movements.
Nomusa Dube-Ncube brings extensive government leadership experience to her new role as Deputy Minister, having served as MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and as Premier of KwaZulu-Natal.
The SETAs are key bodies responsible for skills development and training in various sectors of the South African economy. The controversy over the board appointments has raised concerns about transparency and political interference in a vital sector.
The focus will now be on Manamela and Dube-Ncube to restore confidence in the SETAs and ensure they effectively fulfill their mandate.
