I am not who they say I am: Nkabane

Axed Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, says she will prove that she is not the person critics have made her out to be.

The embattled politician was fired as the Minister of Higher Education and Training yesterday, following the fallout over the controversial Sector Education and Training bodies (SETA) board appointments, which cast a cloud over her leadership.

The former minister says her dismissal did not come as a surprise, alleging that there were forces on the ground that wanted her out of the system.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Buti Manamela as the Minister to head the department, with Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube serving as the Deputy Minister.

Facing mounting public scrutiny, in an exclusive interview with our sister channel eNCA, Nkabane insisted that she would have never risked her reputation by misleading Parliament.

“There is a perception that I lied in Parliament. I was looking forward to this day [committee meeting], so that I could clear my name. I prepared files, appointment letters, everything so that I could prove to myself that I did not lie in Parliament. I am a professional, I am an academic, there is no way that I can risk my reputation,” said Nkabane.

She says once the dust has settled, she will explore all avenues to clear her name, maintaining that she did not lie before the Parliament.

“I am looking forward to appearing before the ethics committee because I received a correspondence from them,” said Nkabane.

The former minister has made it clear that she will not resign as a Member of Parliament.

Political analyst Bongani Mahlangu says removing Nkabane was the right move.

Mahlangu added that the removal of DA Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield has set a precedent, one that now places Ramaphosa in a difficult position.

“This has pushed the president into a corner, and it is a good corner to be in for us as a country, because it will enable us to generate a bit more yield when it comes to our democratic dividend.”

He says accountability has always been a big one for citizens, adding that any perceived inconsistency could damage public trust in the Presidency.

The South African Students Federation (SASF), which has been at the forefront, calling for Nkabane’s removal, say while they celebrate the victory, the battle is far from over.

The federation’s leader, Keamogetswe Masike, says the ministry still faces numerous unresolved issues that require urgent attention and resolution.

Masike says they expect informed and swift action on pressing student issues from Manamela, who served as the portfolio’s deputy minister for 8 years.

“The higher education sector is complex and dynamic, comprising students from diverse social and economic backgrounds. Effective leadership requires a nuanced approach, prioritising stability, inclusivity, and student needs.”

“The SASF expects Deputy Minister Manmela to understand the intricacies of the sector and to work collaboratively with student organisations, governance structures, and other stakeholders to find solutions to the challenges facing students,” said Masike.

Political parties have also called on the President to apply the same measures to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who is currently on special leave following serious allegations of corruption.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) says if Ramaphosa were genuine in his supposed anti-corruption stance, he would have also dismissed Mchunu.

The party says it rejects what it has dubbed as cosmetic changes meant to pacify public anger while the alleged rot in government deepens.

The EFF’s Statement on the Firing of Minister Nkabane

-If Ramaphosa was genuine in his supposed anti-corruption stance, he would have also dismissed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who stands accused of interfering in investigations and attempting to disband the highly effective… pic.twitter.com/M2tet7witm

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) July 22, 2025

 The Democratic Alliance (DA) says seeing one ANC Minister depart is a first step to restoring the faith of South Africans, that the Government of National Unity (GNU) will not tolerate corruption.

The ANC’s major GNU partner says there is still a very long list of ANC corruption to be eradicated.

“Our demand to President Ramaphosa was for him to take action against the seriously compromised, corrupt and nefarious in the ANC, and the firing of Nkabane is the first step for him.”

🚨 Victory against ANC cadre corruption! After relentless DA pressure, ANC Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has been removed after misleading Parliament.

The DA remains committed to rescuing SA and we will keep pushing back against corruption. Read more: https://t.co/tzlEXBeVrb pic.twitter.com/tQFvlFPxhx

— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) July 21, 2025

Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has filed a motion of no confidence against Ramaphosa, citing what it says is his failure to fire Mchunu.

They say the President has failed to protect the most vulnerable people in society.