Online Reporter
JOHANNESBURG. – In a swift response to recent controversies, President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Buti Manamela as the new Minister of Higher Education and Training.
The decision follows Dr Nobuhle Nkabane’s ousting, which she announced in a brief statement on Monday afternoon.
Nkabane expressed her gratitude to President Ramaphosa for the opportunity to serve in such a critical role, stating, “I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the President of the Republic of South Africa, HE Cyril Ramaphosa, for entrusting me with the responsibility to serve as Minister of Higher Education and Training.”
Minutes after her statement, Ramaphosa announced Manamela’s appointment as well as Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, who will be serving as the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training.
The reshuffling comes as Nkabane faced intense scrutiny, particularly for her alleged misleading of Parliament regarding the process of appointing the SETA board members.
Reports emerged indicating that the list of appointees was heavily influenced by affiliations with the African National Congress, incorporating figures such as Buyambo, the son of Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe.
Last week, Nkabane came under fire after failing to appear before Parliament to account for the controversial appointments. She instead opted to attend a GBV event in the Eastern Cape.
Nkabane sent a last-minute apology to the portfolio committee, citing a gender-based violence event at a Technical and Vocational Education and Training college in the Eastern Cape as the reason for her absence. Her apology was rejected by committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie. – RT.com
