In two notable statements, the Presidency recently announced that Mr Buti Manamela has been promoted from Deputy Minister of Higher Education to Minister, and that Dr Nobuhle Nkabane thanks South Africa for the opportunity she had to serve in this role.
It is still unclear where the ANC will deploy her next – or whether she was dismissed or forced to resign.
Nkabane’s position became untenable after it emerged that she misled Parliament in a portfolio committee.
This is regarding the appointments of SETA board members.
This Department is a problem child for South Africa, as the SETAs and NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) are consistently grappling with corporate governance issues.
Nkabane’s removal as minister is significant in light of the upcoming week’s budget votes.
Manamela should have a good understanding of the challenging task at hand, having served as Deputy Minister since 2019. The Freedom Front Plus wishes him and his new Deputy Minister, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, all the best.
The nagging question remains whether Nkabane will be assuming another prominent government position. If so, it would make a mockery of accountability.
